Charles F. Brown III of Barrington passed away on August 18th at 85 years old at home with his family. He was raised in Riverside RI by his late parents, Charles F. Jr. and Vivian (Boudreau) Brown. He is predeceased by two sisters, Shirley Ray and Patricia Poissant of Riverside and one brother, Rodney Brown of Barrington. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Charlie was married to his wife Phyllis (Palumbo) for 60 years until she passed in 2019. He leaves a son, Charles IV, and daughter Rosemarie Coffey, and their spouses Ginger and Jim. He was a grandfather to Kyle Coffey and his wife Alicia, as well as Sean Coffey and partner Betsy Ekholm, and leaves a great granddaughter Emily and step great grandson Theo.
He was the longtime owner of RI Cutter Grinding Co. in Riverside where his skills as a machinist were unmatched. He had the unique ability to learn to fix just about anything whether it be electrical, plumbing or carpentry. He was a Charter Captain and was the owner and operator of Bay Charters and Charo II Charters in Narragansett Bay for decades. Countless people learned to love fishing and boating alongside him. He was a member and officer for Bristol County Striper Club for many years and made great friendships there.
Charlie was a very devoted, loving and fun father and grandfather (“Poppy”) whose smile and laughter were infectious. He never hesitated to help someone else, and was satisfied with the simple pleasures in life for himself. He loved opening his home to neighbors and considered them family. He respected hard work, ingenuity, integrity, honesty and generosity.
He loved a friendly competition with friends and club members for the biggest fish, for which he accumulated many accolades. He also took a special interest in teaching children to love fishing and the joys of being on the water and for many years supported the Take a Kid Fishing Organization.
He was a legend on the Bay and will remain a legend and hero to his family.
Calling hours will be Friday August 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home 398 Willett Ave Riverside, RI 02915.
Donations are appreciated to https://www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give/ to support education and research for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy ,or
Hope Health Hospice:
https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/