Charles W. Sands, 77
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Charles W. Sands, age 77, of Mansfield, formerly of Sharon passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 13, 2016.
He was the beloved husband of Helen M. (Knoll) Sands, to whom he was wed on August 23, 1958.
Born in Pittston, PA on June 1, 1938, he was a loving son of the late Warren H. Sands and Vivian (Lahr) Charney and her husband William.
He grew up in the Harding section of West Pittston, PA, was a 1956 graduate of West Pittston High School and was fondly known amongst family and friends as Skeeter. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean Era. After serving two years of faithful service, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Quartermaster Third Class.
Mr. Sands later continued his education, graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in 1988 from Boston College. Prior to retiring, he along with his wife was the proud owner of Cameo Financial Services in Sharon. He had also been employed at GTE in Needham.
Chuck had made his home in Mansfield for the past 3 years and previously resided in Sharon for 45 years. While living in Sharon, he was active with the Sharon Recreation Department, coached little league baseball and volunteered his assistance at HESSCO.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Sharon and when younger, was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce in Derry, New Hampshire.
His favorite times spent by far, were those with his adoring family. His interests included the history of WWII, gardening and astronomy. He loved the outdoors and nature, especially bird watching; a hobby, which began as a child on Sands Mountain in Pennsylvania.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 57 years, he is survived by his devoted children Dr Mary-Jo MacKinnon, FNP-BC, ND and her husband Brian of Coventry, RI, Kara J. Sands of Fall River, Michael C. Sands, Sr of Taunton, and Joseph A. Sands and his wife Michelle of Franklin. He was the cherished grandfather of Taylor, Charlene, Jeffrey, Tracey, Michael, Jr, Mariah, Molly, Dylan, and Zachary and the great grandfather of Mya, Trinity and Brandon. He was the brother of Barbara Ventre of NJ and Lisa Balonis of PA, and the uncle of Kendra Mirante, Jeffrey Crass, Jonas Crass and Larry Ventre
His funeral service, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Monday, January 18th at 10:00 A.M. in the First Congregational Church of Sharon, 29 North Main St., Sharon. Burial with military honors will follow at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 17th from 2:00-5:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, Chucks family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Mansfield Fire Department Gift Account, 10 Plymouth St., Mansfield, MA 02048 or the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1300 West Elm St. Ext, Brockton, MA 02301.
To send the Sands family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com