Charles (Charlie) Henry Gratton Jr.
Charles (Charlie) Henry Gratton Jr. 86 of Winchester and formerly of Hinsdale died peacefully in the comfort of his home with the love of his family at hand. He passed with dignity on September 20, 2011.
Charlie was born the son of Olive I. (Kelly) and Charles H. Gratton Sr. on March 29, 1925 in Gloucester City, N.J., He graduated from Red Bank High School class of 1942 in Red Bank, N.J..
Mr. Gratton took his vows to Miss. Joan R. Morton on July 9, 1949 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in South Norwalk, CT. with family and friends in attendance. They have been happily married for sixty two years.
Charles had many jobs over the years. He retired from the A. R. Sandri Company in 1995 after 17 years of loyal employment. He worked as the service manager in the operations center in Greenfield, MA. As the service manager he held licenses as a master electrician and plumber specializing in the oil industry. He was the recipient of the Hugh W. McKee award from the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Mangers (NAOHSM).
Charlie was a community spirited person. He enjoyed working with people and helping others. He was a member of the Lions Club, Masons, Volunteer Fireman, Good Sams Club. His time was used to mentor Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He coached Little League Baseball. Charlie was also a man of faith. He served on the Commission of Methodist Church in N.Y. Locally he held positions on the Planning Board in Winchester and Hinsdale. But mostly he enjoyed boating and camping with his family.
Mr. Gratton is survived by his wife, Joan R. Gratton of Winchester. His children; Linda C. Burdo and her husband Douglas of Jay, ME., Kathy A. Barnard and her husband Edwin of Mission, TX., Joyce Gratton of Brentwood, David J. Gratton and his wife Kimberley of Exeter and Susan M. Hernon and her husband Thomas of Bellows Falls, VT. His brother James Gratton of Freehold, N.J.. Charles also leaves his thirteen grandchildren and their spouses; Hope Blodgett, Michael Gratton, Billie Jo Kangethe, Sara Barnard, Eric Burdo, Jennie Barnard, Kristian Gratton, Jeffrey Gratton, Sheila Bright, Nicole DAleo, Brian Hernon, Amy Brown and Rachel Gratton. In addition he leaves nine great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and numerous friends. He is pre-deceased by his parents and two sons; Richard J. Gratton and Charles (Chuck) H. Gratton III. and two grandchildren; Jeffrey A. and Peter J. Gratton. His brother Harry J. Gratton also passed on earlier.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 6 to 8pm. in the funeral home.
At Mr. Grattons request burial will be private. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, donations should be made in memory of Charles H. Gratton Jr. to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK. 73123-1718 or to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation 6520 North Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33309-2130. Services are under the direction of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com.
