BELMONT – Charles Stafford VanHagen, 95, of 22 Heritage Terrace, Belmont, passed from this life on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Genesis Laconia Rehabilitation Center after a brief period of failing health.
He was born on December 21, 1919 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Allen and Hazel (Edsel) VanHagen. He lived in Brooklyn, NY for fifteen years, when the family moved to Long Island, NY. He graduated from Lynbrook High School in June of 1939. In October of that year, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He was discharged after World War II with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, having served in the American, European and North African campaigns.
He married Madeleine Kingsley in February of 1944. When Charlie came home after the war, they lived on Long Island where their three children were born. Charlie worked as a buyer for Republic Aviation Company. In 1958 they moved to Plymouth, NH, where he worked for Grossman Lumber and Prescott Lumber. He retired from Prescott Lumber in 1981. While living in Plymouth, Charlie was active in both community work and with the Plymouth United Methodist Church. The family then moved to Belmont in 2006 to be near their three children.
He is survived by one son, Philip K. VanHagen and his wife Jeannette of Belmont, two daughters; Sandra VanHagen of Belmont and Karen White and her husband David of Belmont, three grandchildren; Timothy VanHagen of Powder Springs, Georgia, Jennifer Green of Moravia, NY and Christopher White of Pembroke, three great grandchildren; Logan, Mackenzie and Kyle, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Madeleine (Kingsley) VanHagen and two brothers; Clinton VanHagen and Jack VanHagen.
There will be no calling hours.
A private graveside service will be held in Greenmount Cemetery in Whitehall, NY.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main St, Laconia, N. H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.