Charles A. (Charlie) Stetson

Charles A. (Charlie) Stetson, 75, of 29 Potter Road, Rowe, died Friday, Nov. 11, at home.

He was born in Heath, June 7, 1942, the son of Francis R. and Julianna (Poirier) Stetson.

Charlie graduated with high honors from Arms Academy in 1960.

He enlisted in the US Army in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1963.  He was stationed in Fort Devens (MA) and later in Germany.

From 1964-1970 he was employed at the Deerfield Glasine in Monroe Bridge.  He purchased Purinton’s Service Station in 1970 and operated it until 1984.  He co-owned the B&F Transportation with the late Howard Blakeslee from 1976 until 1994. Also during this time from 1980 until 2002  he was a U.S. Postal Service rural carrier out of the Charlemont office. 

He was treasurer for the Town of Hawley from 1997 until 2014 and also the tax collecter from 1999 until 2014.  Charlie was also a member of the finance committee and a member of the zoning board of appeals.

He was a member of the Hawlemont school committee from 1992 until 2007 of which he served as chairperson for four years.  He was also chairperson of the Hawlemont Regional School building project.  He served on the Mohawk Regional School committee  from 1992-1997. Charlie was also a  member of building and transportation committee for the Mohawk Trail Regional School District.

From 1971 through 1982 he was a member of the Charlemont Lions Club as well as a member of Indian Head Snowmobile Club from 1967 through 1999.

He was a member and former treasurer, for several years, of the Ashfield Community Golf Club.  He joined the club in 2004.

Charlie enjoyed golf, walking in the woods, working on projects in his barn workshop and getting together with family and friends.  He was a loving husband and father who had a wonderful sense of humor.

Survivors besides his wife whom he married on Oct. 12, 1979 the former Cynthia Laskay include his son Christopher (Sara) Stetson of Brattleboro, VT, grandchildren  Nevin and Zeb; his daughter Kim (Rusty) Coombs of Colrain, grandson Gregory (Melissa) Dekoshak, great-grandson Henry, grandson Brendan Dekoshak, great-granddaughter Sarah Dekoshak and granddaughter Morgan Gradie; and his sister Betty Ann Fournier of New Hampshire.  Also, his brother-in-law Bruce and wife Patricia Laskay of Connecticut, and several nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was predeceased by brothers Richard in 1962, John in 1995, Francis Jr. in 1996 and George in 2005.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, November 19 at 2:00 pm at Mary Lyon Church in Buckland.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either Dianne O’Connell, treas., Ashfield Community Golf Club, Ashfield, Ma 01330 or to the Mary Lyon Church, Sue Atherton, treas., Upper St., Buckland, Ma 01338.

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