Charlie Billings was born in Webster, MA on September 27, 1948. He was the first born of M. Marcella and C. Myron Billings. The family moved to Hudson when he was a toddler. The Billings family added three more siblings. Vic three years later, two years later Mary, and four years later John.
His childhood was a 50s and 60s life in a small town where everyone did truly know your name. Sometimes a hard fit for a quiet boy whose dad was the Superintendent of Schools. He and brother Vic played baseball for the Giants during Little League seasons. Charlie loved to ski, fish, play golf and was a caddy. The highlight of childhood summers end was deep sea fishing off the Marshfield coastline.
Charlie graduated from Hudson High School in 1966, Providence College in 1970 with a degree in Business Management. Charles made a pivot in his career path to add a degree in Forest Technology in Minnesota when he was in his late 20s.
His passion was his various work experiences, always in nature and near a river, lake, ocean, or thick forest. His US Forest Technician work included locations in California, Minnesota, South Dakota, New York, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. Charlie’s ideal position was in Allegheny National Forest, where he captained a boat. He had many happy memories of that job and crew members. Charlie downplayed his service of fighting forest fires from planes; always humble and avoiding the spotlight.
Charlie was very fond of Gloucester, MA where he chose to retire. He found his way to DPW and worked “supervising” his crew of good friends. They kept Stage Fort Park running and looking beautiful. Those friends saw him through his many bouts of cancer. They supported Charlie with grace, lots of laughs, and listening to each other’s tales, gripes and antics. He missed them when he moved closer to his sister to face the final phase of his unique life.
Relatives left behind are his sister Mary Billings Sherman and her husband Peter; nephew Ryan Sherman, nieces Kathryn and Erin; their spouses Jessica Sherman, Steven Achatz, Dave Arruda; Grand nieces and nephews include Ella and Grant Sherman, Peter and Brooke Achatz, and Natalie and Zachary Arruda.
He was predeceased by many Collie dogs named Captain, and a few cats. Charlie adored his pets. Also, his friendships outside work were lasting and endearing ones. You all know your place in his heart.
He also loved his Gibney and Dowling relatives. The relatives left are few, but those bonds are still strong. May Charlie rest in peace.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 18 in St. Mary’s Church, Franklin at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com)