Charles Chaplin
March 21, 1948 — January 26, 2018
SOUTHBRIDGE: Charles W. Chaplin, 69, a long-time resident of Southbridge, died Friday, January 26 in the Veteran's Hospital in West Roxbury after a long battle with heart disease.
Charlie is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Susan ( Anderson ) Chaplin; a son, Steven Chaplin of West Warren; a daughter, Mary Ellen Chaplin of Southbridge; three grandchildren, Ron, Carly and David of West Warren; and his sister, Marie Chaplin of San Antonio, TX. He was predeceased by his sister, Linda Hewlett.
Charlie was born on January 31, 1948 in Bennington, VT. Son of the (late) Francis Chaplin and Doris (Leland) Cody. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S.M.C. where he proudly served from 1967-1970, including a tour of 13 months in Vietnam, from November, 1967 - December, 1968. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal (with combat) for his meritorious service while serving with Company B. Eleventh Motor Transport Battalion, First Marine Division. Charlie was proud of his years in the Marine Corps.
Charlie was a founding member of Marine Corps League, South Central Massachusetts, Detachment 1094, he was also a Life Member of the National DAV, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Until his retirement, Charlie worked as a diesel mechanic and later as a truck driver.
He loved his family, his Corps and his country.
Charlie liked spending time outdoors, and enjoyed working , camping, fishing and hunting as his health allowed.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 31st at 10:00 A.M. in the Elm Street Congregational Church 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Charlie's name to one of the following organizations that were near and dear to his heart: The Vietnam Veterans for the Community, Attn: Worcester Vet Center, 255 Park Ave., Suite 900, Worcester, MA 01609.
The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., PO Box 2229, Rockville, MD 20847-9906.
The Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 has been entrusted with arrangements.
Please visit www.BelangerFuneralHome.com for a memorial guestbook.