Charles Raymond Parris, a longtime resident of Medford and beloved husband of the late Charlotte A. (Foster) Parris, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the Life Care Center in Stoneham on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born in Everett on June 28, 1928, Charles was the beloved son of the late Warren B. and Mabel P. (Williams). He grew up with two sisters, Mary and Mabel (“Cookie”), and three brothers, Warren Jr., Joe, and Bert, all of whom predeceased him. In 1941, the family moved to West Medford, where Charles would live for much of his life.
Affectionately known as Chuck, Uncle Chuck, Chuckles, or Papa, he led a life full of creativity, resilience, and service to others.
A 1947 graduate of Medford High School, Charles was a standout athlete. He ran track and played football for the Medford Mustangs, wearing jersey number 55. His small stature earned him the nickname “Pony-Sized Mustang,” and one of his proudest achievements was scoring the winning touchdown at the annual Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Day football game, a storied rivalry that continues to this day. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments, he was inducted into the Medford Mustang Hall of Fame in 1995.
After high school, Charles joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Royal Air Force Bassingbourn in Royston, England, as a Supply Sergeant. He was discharged in 1950 on the day the Korean War broke out but remained in England as part of the reserves for several years. During his time in England, he demonstrated his athleticism by defeating the British Royal Air Force in a 100-yard dash with an impressive time of 10.2 seconds in July 1952.
Upon returning to the U.S., he served with the 506th Supply Squadron, stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1953. He often expressed gratitude for President Harry Truman’s integration of the armed forces, which allowed him to serve at a time of racial division.
Charles dreamed of pursuing a career in filmmaking, but societal discrimination hampered that dream. Instead, he channeled his creative vision into photography, graduating from the Eastern School of Photography in Boston with a degree in professional photography. He opened a neighborhood photography studio in his garage, capturing cherished family portraits. Later, he earned a certificate in mechanical drawing from the Wentworth Institute and worked at the Harvard Cooperative Society (“The Coop”).
In 1956, Charles began a 32-year career with the Medford Fire Department, starting at Engine 2 in West Medford. During the 1960s and 70s, when opportunities for African Americans in firefighting were limited, Charles broke barriers with determination and courage. During his tenure, he earned a degree in Fire Science from North Shore Community College and was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 1971. In the 1970s, Charles and other firefighters taught fire science to residents of Lynn and Boston, inspiring many to join the fire department. He was an active member of the Vulcan Society, a fraternal order of Black firefighters that championed racial equity in the profession and contributed to the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF), focusing on community outreach and advocacy. Charles retired from the department in 1988.
After retiring from the fire department, Charles transitioned to a new career as a realtor. He joined Wolfson and Wolfson, which later became Prudential/Prime Properties Wolfson/Cutler, and worked there for 30 years. Charles brought the same dedication and care to real estate that he had shown throughout his life, helping families find their homes and even selling a home to one of his daughters.
Outside of his professional achievements, Charles had a deep love for music, the arts, and classic Westerns. A jazz enthusiast, he enjoyed listening to John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, and Nat King Cole. Arthur Prysock held a special place in his heart, and his smooth baritone often filled their home, much to the amusement of his daughters. His love for Broadway musicals was equally profound. One of his fondest memories was taking his family to see Hello, Dolly! with Pearl Bailey. He was also captivated by Showboat and the iconic song “Ol’ Man River,” sung by William Warfield, which became one of his all-time favorite songs.
Throughout his retirement, Charles remained active in the West Medford community, kept up with friends, and enjoyed occasional cruises. He frequently visited the West Medford Community Center, a historic African American social club open to all. In 2020, he was inducted into the West Medford Elders Project, which honors longtime, community-oriented citizens. His portrait now hangs in the center’s gallery as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to his neighborhood.
Above all, he cherished time with his family. His backyard parties were legendary, filled with laughter, great food, and music. He made sure his daughters knew how to BBQ the right way—charcoal grills only. At Christmas, he relished the joy of the season. He loved going all out with festive decorations and music and took great pride in showering his loved ones (especially his grandchildren) with thoughtful gifts that brought smiles and laughter.
Charles was a steadfast father, and a devoted husband, grandfather and great-grandfather. He instilled in his family the importance of pursuing their dreams, staying open-minded, and knowing their worth. He chose to see the good in people and encouraged progressive and compassionate values.
He leaves behind his daughter Diane, her husband Phil, and their daughter Kendall and her fiancé Julian Goode; his daughter Charlene, whose husband Donald predeceased her, and her daughters Rosie and her husband John Conneely, who are expecting a daughter in the coming weeks, and Hilary and her partner Andrew Gallagher; his daughter Tracie, her husband Andrew, and their daughters Takara and her husband Ely Delman and their son Theo, and Alix and her husband Kyle Emerson and their daughter Charlotte; and his daughter Jennifer, her husband Andreas Burkart, and their son Aidan. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
His funeral will be held from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 514 High Street, Medford at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.
Charles Parris was a man of strength, kindness, and creativity. His life was a testament to perseverance and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The repast will be held at the American Legion, 321 Winthrop St, Medford, MA 02155. In honor of Charles’ legacy, donations may be made in his name to the Vulcan Society of Boston at BostonVulcans.org.