Charles H. Brewer

HOLDEN - Charles “Charlie” H. Brewer, Jr., 86, a lifelong Holden resident, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 3, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in Holden, one of five children to the late Charles H. and Mary B. (Berube) Brewer. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division, “The Tropic Lightning”. While in the service, Charlie was wounded during the battle of “Heartbreak Ridge”. He was honored with a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and was discharged as a Sergeant. As a proud veteran, Charlie also was a member of the John Harkins American Legion Post in Holden.

Charlie was a machinist at the former Heald Machine Division of Cincinnati Milacron in Worcester for 32 years, retiring in 1986. During his retirement years, Charlie kept himself busy with his family tree and firewood business. He served as president of the Chaffin Recreational Area, where he also ran the weekly bingo games and served as president of the carnival. In 1967, Charlie founded the girls’ basketball and softball programs in Holden. An avid outdoorsman, Charlie enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially at the family camp in Petersham, as well as traveling and cruising with his wife.

As a young teenager, Charlie met the love of his life, the former Karin L. Smith while swimming in Union pond. Following several years of courtship, Karin and Charlie were married on March 17, 1951, her birthday, and celebrated 63 years of marriage this year. In addition to his beloved wife, Charlie also leaves his four children, Peter C. Brewer and his wife, Linda of Princeton, Paul C. Brewer and his wife, Debbie of Edgartown, David J. Brewer and his wife, Julie of Edgartown, and Susan L. Labaire and her former husband, Richard of Holden; his brother, William Brewer of Holden; his sister, Carleen Tupper of Holden; his 14 grandchildren, Matthew Brewer, Matthew Howrey and his wife, Michelle, Richard and John Labaire, Katie, Lucas and Cody Brewer, Chrissy, James, Ashton, Donald, Maggie and Jennie Brewer; his eight great grandchildren, Jayden, Bethanie, Eriana, Justin, Brennan, Harlow, Colt, Kasey and Madelyn; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Charlie’s family on Tuesday, October 7, from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, followed by a funeral service honoring his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in Grove Cemetery, Holden. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the, Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. To share a memory or offer an online condolence please "Sign the Guestbook" on this page.