BATH — Charles L. Burgess Jr., 81, died peacefully April 24 following a long and full life.
Born in Bath July 26, 1928, he was a son of Charles and Louise Holbrook Burgess.
While growing up, he was very active in sports and played football, basketball and baseball.
After graduating from Morse High School, he attended the University of Maine, where he played football. Upon graduating, he started his teaching and football coaching career in Foxboro, Mass., before relocating to Winslow, where he met and married Dolores Chamberland, his wife of 57 years.
In 1955 he returned to Bath to help his parents run the family grocery store, Burgess’ Market, and over time grew the small corner store into a thriving grocery business with seven locations and a restaurant.
He was best known for performing simple acts of kindness and charitable contributions to his community.
He loved pleasing people of all ages and making them laugh.
An active member of The Corporal Works of Mercy Society of St. Mary’s Church, he was committed to providing food, clothing, shelter and heat to those less fortunate.
Over the years, his community service earned him several awards, including Morse High School’s Mainsail Award, Bath Lodge of Elks citizen of the year and The Bath Knights of Columbus member of the year.
In June 1999 friends hosted an ice cream social in Bath City Park with 2,600 people in attendance to recognize his many years of providing random acts of kindness.
He was predeceased by his sister and brother in-law Catherine and Frederick Wonsor, and grandson Heath.
Surviving are his wife Dolores, three sons, Richard, James and his wife Mary Ellen, and Craig and his wife Anita; nine grandchildren, Maurice, Rachel, Debbie, Christopher, Matthew, Andrew, Ross, Alissa and Cameron; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, April 28.
Memorial donations may be made to Corporal Works of Mercy, 87 Whiskeag Road, Bath, ME 04530 or CHANS Hospice, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.
Arrangements are by Desmond Funeral Home, Bath.
Condolences can be expressed to the family online at desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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