Charles John Chandler of Rockland, Massachusetts, originally from Madison, Maine, has rejoined his wife, Norma, his son Richard, and his great-grandson Al in the kingdom of heaven. Charlie was one of a kind who loved his family and worked very hard to make sure that they had what they needed. Born on October 18th, 1927, he grew up during the great depression. Despite this, he was always destined to be larger than life. Raised by his grandparents who instilled that he would need to work hard, he set out to do that. Charlie, never the one to scoff at hard work, set out to see the world and enlisted in the Navy. Charlie honorably served his country during World War II. After the war, he returned home to Maine where he found the love of his life, who preceded him in death but not before 50 years together.

Charlie then went back into service for his country in the Army Air Corps. After his second time serving his country, he once again returned to Madison, Maine where he started his family. Realizing that work was thin in Maine and needing to provide for his growing family, Charlie then took a job in Massachusetts and moved to Rockland where he would raise his amazing family. Charlie was a talented furniture finisher and a skilled woodworker - there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build. When Norma and Charlie retired, they moved to Carver for the summers and spent their winters in Florida being self-proclaimed snowbirds. Charlie was always one to tell a story as his life was long, distinguished, and filled with love. Charlie lived an amazing life.

Charlie is predeceased by his loving wife Norma, his son Richard Chandler who was married to Nancy of Connecticut, and his great-grandson Alasdair. He is survived by his daughter Carol Chandler of Rockland, his son James Chandler and wife Faith of Whitman, his daughter Sheila DiTocco and husband Mark of Pembroke; his sister Alice Johnson of Madison, Maine; his grandchildren Amy, Jim, John and his wife Kate, Missy, Jay, Michael, and Nicola; his great-grandchildren Cameron, Kai, Keahi, Morgan, and one great-grandson soon to be.

Charlie will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He was wise beyond his years, all 96 of them. His stories are legendary and yes, we will finally admit he was the better fisherman. He is now reunited with loved ones sitting on the porch relaxing. Until we see you again, we love you and miss you deeply. Godspeed Charlie, thank you for always being our hero.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Charlie’s life at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 10:00 -11:00 AM. immediately followed by a service.

Donations may be sent in his name to American Corporate Partners, a 501c3 organization that helps veterans and spouses who are about to or have recently separated from honorable service of our nation’s fighting forces find their next careers. https://www.acp-usa.org/donate

Or Give Kids the World Village, an organization that he would volunteer at during his time in Florida. They provide week-long cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. https://www.gktw.org/