LIMERICK- Charles Magaw passed away March 8th after a jam packed 96 years of living. Last call was finally served at his daughter’s home in Limerick, Maine. His main goal in life was to make new friends, young and old, rich or poor, with two things in common, the need to share a few pops and enjoy a good laugh.
Charles lived a major part of his life in Leominster, Massachusetts with his wife Joan Downs. He was known and loved by many. Sometimes called the Mayor of Leominster he was respected everywhere he went for his service to his country.
Born in Winslow, Charlie’s proudest accomplishment was leaving Maine for the first time as boy to serve on the Mars Task Force in the Burma Theatre of WWII. The Mars Task Force was a classified Long Range Penetration Force that trekked over 300 miles behind enemy-lines. Sometimes known as The Mule Packers because the soldiers packed up their trusty mules to carry their weapons into battle. Charlie had stories to share with any eager ear of his time serving his country. On one occasion when they came under attack, missiles rained down on the soldiers from up and over the mountaintop. Scrambling desperately to make it to their foxholes, some ran out of time and Charlie was one of them. “ All I could do was I hit the ground and cling to the dirt. When the missile landed, my whole body rose up inches up off the ground.” On another occasion under attack, he just about made it to the foxhole when a missile exploded and shot shrapnel across his back as he dove in, earning him a Purple Heart.
Upon returning from the war, Charlie left for Massachusetts to find work. He established a career as a truck driver at Branch Motor Express where he was able to travel, learn the routes of the eastern part of the country and make even more new friends. Even into his later years, when anyone in the family had a trip to make, he could right off the top of his head give them the directions that would be the most efficient, and how to avoid traffic. He was a human GPS.
Charlie was very close to his brother Gerald who passed away in 2007, he kept his brother’s memory alive by sharing stories of their lives together as kids as well as their escapades as adults. He is also predeceased by his sister Leona and his brother Richard.
Throughout his decline, Charlie always remembered and loved his son in law Merrill. Merrill gave him guidance and advice and was always there to help him both personally and medically.
Charlie’s favorite niece Sam Magaw, and her partner Ray Sherwin of North Oxford brightened his days during COVID with visits and a lobster or two.
The Magaw Family would like to acknowledge the support and care of The Maine Veterans Health Administration specifically Dr. Katherine Moore, who’s intuitive knowledge made our father’s life under her care the best it could be, The HospiceTeam at Compassus that made sure his final days were filled with comfort and compassion, and most of all, Michelle Graffam, who tended to our father’s personal care on a daily basis, in a professional manner making a very difficult time easier with strength and humor.
Charles leaves behind three children, Wayne (Skip) Magaw of Kennebunk and his wife Gerry, Wendy Farrand and her husband Merrill of Limerick, and his son Craig Magaw of Palm Springs, California. He has 3 step daughters Sandy, Susan and Vicki and is predeceased by two step children, William Valiton III, Bonnie Brennon.
Grandchildren, Shawn Magaw and his wife Heather of Kennebunk, Seth Magaw and his wife Jennifer of Massachusetts, Zachery Magaw and his wife Harpreet of New Jersey, Shannon Thomas and her husband Simmons of Arundel, Justin Bowden and Michelle Quinn of Florida, Aria Bowden and Tre of California, Tina Bowden of Portsmouth, and Nealy Fleming and her husband Chris of Old Orchard Beach. Josh Magaw and his wife Natalie of New Hampshire, Chris Calcia and his wife Janelle of Millis and Step Grandchildren Kristin Farrand of Kennebunk, Nikki Rayburn and her husband Casey of Portland.
15 Great Grandchildren!
A service is planned for this summer at the Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Limerick Fire and Rescue, 24 School St. Limerick, ME 04048 in Charlie’s memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -