Charles Edward Small, age 84, of 24 Curtis Road, Mystic, passed away early Easter Sunday morning at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital from natural causes. Until the past Wednesday, he had been receiving loving home healthcare from his devoted wife and family in his home.
Affectionately known as “Yard-Sale Charley”, he was born August 28, 1918 in New Haven. He retired from SNET Management in 1979. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Knights of Columbus, the VFW Post 1673, and the 134th Anti-Aircraft Battalion Assoc. of the US Army.
He served as an usher at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton and served on the Groton RTM committee. He worked in the CT Conservation Corps. as a youth, and later served in the US Army during World War II. He was also a former member of the New London SNET Tenpin League and also the Noank Men’s Duckpin Association.
“Grandpa, Dad, Charlie” was very supportive and generous to both family and friends, never refusing to give a helping hand. He enjoyed a full life, whether it was golfing, travelling, auto-mechanics, or enjoying his family.
He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Hanchett Small (who served as his devoted homecaregiver for the past year); brothers Nathan, Martin, and Clayton Small; daughter, Patricia A. Macek of Preston; son Edward C. Small of Mystic; grandaughters, Crystal Sides, Melissia Holland, Jennifer Ferguson, Erica Small; grandsons, Michael Lamb, Donald Ferguson, Christopher Small, Sean St. Arnauld,; great-grandsons, Colby Sides and Robert Holland. He was predeceased by his eldest child, Margaret S. Ferguson.
The family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday from 5-7pm to celebrate his life and personal accomplishments.
POST SERVICE NOTICE: A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton on Thursday morning. "Father Greg", Pastor celebrated the Mass assisted by Deacon peter Danesi and Mr. Russ McDonough. As a personal tribute to their grandfather, Charley's eight grandchildren served as his casketbearers, and his grandson, Sean sang "Danny Boy" recognizing Charley's Irish Heritage. Burial with Military Honors followed at the family plot at Elm Grove Cemetery.
The family later welcomed everyone to a reception at St. Mary's Parish Hall, arranged by the family and the church.
Donations in his memory may be made to Gambro Healthcare Dialysis, 5 Shaws Cove, New London 06320.