Charles Francis Maurer, 91, of Osterville, MA and Bonita Springs, FL was called home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2021. Charlie was born on July 19, 1929 in Springfield, MA to Charles T Maurer and Margaret (Melville). Charlie lived for many years in East Longmeadow, MA where he raised his five children and in later years moved to Florida where he became a general contractor. During this time he became a “friend of Bill W.” and was very active in supporting those who shared the same friendship. Years passed and he met his loving wife, Nancy White and they spent 25 happy years together, sharing time on Cape Cod in the summer and Bonita Springs during the winter. Charlie had a passion for many things and in later years his love for God led him to his home church, Bay Presbyterian in Bonita Bay, Florida, where he cherished the love of that wonderful family of believers. Charlie loved soaking up the sun on Barefoot Beach where he and Nancy volunteered regularly to keep the surrounding beaches pristine. He had a special bond with his little dog Pearl who made very sure that Charlie got plenty of exercise, walking either on the golf course on Cape or socializing about the grounds at their condo in Shore Woods in Florida. Charlie could not refuse Pearl anything and the two were best pals to the end when Pearl went over the Rainbow Bridge last year. Charlie loved to read, especially historical novels and his love of opera brought him such Joy. Charlie’s creative baking and cooking experiments were always a surprise to enjoy. At least most of the time! When he found it difficult to walk, Charlie got a three wheel bike and could be seen regularly riding about the neighborhood with Pearl in the basket behind. Charlie always had words of advice to share whenever he stopped to chat with someone he met along the way. He truly enjoyed engaging with people. His most precious time of each day was early morning as he spent time in prayer and reading his bible. His heart belonged to Jesus and now he is happy, resting, and in perfect peace in his Heavenly Home. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy of Osterville, MA, his five children Catherine Burati and husband Ronald of East Longmeadow, MA, Charles F. Maurer Jr. and his wife Teri of Naples, FL, Gary Maurer and wife Darlene of Estero, FL, Stephen Maurer of North Hampton, MA and Michael Maurer of Hampden, MA. Charlie also leaves four step children Laurie Kjoller and husband Robert of Fort Meyers, FL, Kimberly Simonsen of Plymouth, MA, Douglas Knight and wife Patricia of E. Freetown, MA, and Tracy Dupre and husband Arnold of East Longmeadow, MA. Charlie also leaves many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. His loving sisters are Myrna Senecal of Carey, NC and Janice Valentino of East Longmeadow, MA. He was predeceased by his sister Lorand Napolitan of Suffield, CT and Muriel Andwood of East Longmeadow, MA.
Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Court Street. A private memorial service is being planned on Cape Cod at a future date when Charlie will be honored at the National Cemetery for his service in the United States Air Force. At his request, some of his ashes will be sprinkled in the sea where he always found great solace.
If you would like to remember Charlie, please consider a donation to the Bay Presbyterian Church, 26911 S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34134