Charles W. Eggleston, a 27 year resident of Melrose and formerly of Malden, died on Tuesday, November 8, 2005, at Bear Hill Nursing Center in Wakefield following a lengthy illness. He was 85 years old.
He was born in North Brookfield, MA, on April 1, 1920. Charlie grew up in South Boston and attended Boston Public Schools and South Boston High School. He enlisted into the United States Army on July 17, 1944, and served with the Third Armored Division in Europe during World War 2. Charlie was discharged with the rank of Private First Class on June 18, 1946. He lived in Somerville and Malden for several years before moving to Melrose. He worked as a machinist for the M.B.T.A. for several years before retiring in 1965. Charlie was very active in many Veterans activities between Melrose and Malden. He volunteered every year to make sure that veterans had an American Flag on their graves on Veterans Day. He was a Past Commander of the Norman Prince V.F.W. Post # 1505 of Melrose, Past Commander and Assistant Chaplain at Malden American Legion Post # 69 and also a member of Norman Prince V.F.W. Post #1506 Alumni. Charlie was also very active in Melrose elderly affairs volunteering himself to drive for Melrose Council of Aging and also driving for the Red Cross F.I.S.H. Program.
Charlie is the beloved husband of Helen D. (Hughes) Eggleston and the late Helen B. (Manning). He is the devoted father of Charles W. Eggleston and his wife Cindy of Burbank, California. Grandfather of Joseph Eggleston of La Habra, CA, and his mother Theresa. Brother of Alicia Goncars of FL and Eleanor Salash of Maynard. Loving step-father of Judith & Robert Fitzpatrick of Malden, Mark & Shauna Manning of Marshfield, Joan Ross of Brockton, Albert Traniello and his late wife Helen of Stoneham, Jeanne & James O’Sullivan of Exeter, N.H., Maureen & Laurence Buckley of Stoneham, Marilyn Hughes of FL, Helen & John Burke of Stoneham and Thomas & Joia Hughes of Laconia, N.H. Also several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Charlie’s Funeral will be held on Saturday November 12, 2005 from the Philip X. Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose/Wakefield line, at 9 a.m. Followed by his Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held on Friday (Veterans Day) November 11, 2005, from 3 to 7 pm. Burial will take place at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers kindly make memorial donations in Charlie’s name to a charity of your choice.