Charles W. Moran, Sr.

ORANGE - On May 5, 2016, Charles W. Moran, Sr., 91, passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of his Lord, his most beloved wife, Carmella, and his family. He was the loving and devoted husband of Carmella for 71 years and brought much joy and happiness to her. Together, they raised three children: Charles W. Moran, Jr. (Carol), Judith A. Clark (Gregory), and Mary A. Crossman (Gregory). He also leaves behind loving grandchildren: Kati Moran McCurley (Alan), Matthew Moran (Sara), Christine Moran, Bradley Clark, Sarah Clark, Jeffrey Crossman (Dasha), Lisa Crossman, and Michael Crossman. In addition, he leaves behind loving great-grandchildren (Ashley Izor, Brian Izor, Nicholas Moran, Ronan Moran, Jennifer Clark, and Carmella Clark) and a great-great-grandchild (Avery Izor). He also leaves his loving niece, Shirley McGuiness (Mac) and her family, nephew, Robert Merkel, and Carmella’s family, all of Massachusetts.
Charlie’s life was an inspiration for each of us. He was born on November 15, 1924 in Springfield, MA to James Gustav Moran and Margaret Maloney Moran. He grew up with his older sister, Mildred Moran Merkel and his father in Chicopee, MA. Growing up, he spent summers at an island camp on Chicopee River (adjacent to the Ludlow Country Club) and the remaining months in boarding homes. Summers were filled with raising rabbits, fishing and retrieving golf balls from the river.
At the age of 11, he earned an English bicycle from his Boy Scout troop and travelled alone to Old Orchard Beach, ME by way of the Horn of the Moon in East Montpelier. There, he met his caring “mom and dad Morse”. Years later, he met Carmella on a blind date. She became his love and best friend, and they spent a happy and wonderful life together. She inspired Charlie to write poems and love letters that she remembers fondly. The Morse Farm became Charlie and Mel’s first home after their marriage on September 4, 1944. He loved Vermont and soon purchased the Bisson farm in Orange where he resided for the rest of his years. He used his carpentry skills to rebuild their Orange home from floor to ceiling.
Charlie had a strong work ethic. His jobs included work at the Springfield Armory (one of the largest weaponry suppliers during WW II), the Flint Lumber Co., Allen Lumber Co., Lane Manufacturing Co., and as a machinist at Smith Whitcomb & Cook Co., Trow & Holden Co., and Sprague Electric. He retired from Sprague Electric after thirty years of hard work.
He spent many enjoyable summer months at the family’s camp on Marshfield Pond over the span of fifty years. During his retirement years, he and Mel travelled the country in their orange VW “hippie van”, enjoying camping and many time-share resorts. They loved playing cards, meeting new people, dancing, and sharing life. Many stories have been told about their adventures. In earlier years, Charlie enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Charlie was a man of great faith, accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior at an early age. His boarding house mothers nurtured his spiritual life. Charlie actively served in many roles at the East Barre Congregational Church. Both he and Mel were honored as Emeritus Deacon and Deaconess. He substitute pastored at several churches and was a great supporter of youth ministries, including Camp Wihakowi in Northfield. Charlie was also committed to serving the broader community. He served as an active Orange School Board director and catalyst for busing and the consolidation of several one-room schools.
Charlie now rests in his eternal home. He will be greatly missed here on earth, but believers may see and enjoy him again at his heavenly home.
His funeral service and the celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in the East Barre Congregational Church. Interment will follow in the Wilson Cemetery in Websterville. After the service, there will be a gathering for a time of sharing and refreshments in the church’s fellowship room.
Family and friends may call at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the East Barre Congregational Church, PO Box 246, East Barre, VT 05649.