Charles "Charlie" Vandini, the long-time owner of Charlies' Ace Hardware and considered by many as the "Mayor of North Plymouth," died peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was 95.

Charlie was a lifelong resident of North Plymouth, a communicant of St. Mary's Church, and for more than 50 years a Town Meeting Member representing Precinct 1. In addition, he was a member of the St. Mary's Parish Council and the North Plymouth Steering Committee. He was also a dedicated member of the Plymouth Lions Club, of which he was a past-president and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

A 1948 graduate of Plymouth High School, Charlie graduated from Bentley College in Boston before returning to Plymouth where he married the late Katherine (Alexander) Vandini. In 1966, they bought North Plymouth Hardware, which became Charlies' Ace Hardware when their son Charles Jr. (Chuck) joined the business that became a community institution with many loyal customers who could find nuts, bolts, washers, and screws unavailable-and sometimes unknown-anywhere else. Charlie's customers spanned generations of today's skilled tradesmen who first came into the store as children who wanted their ice skates sharpened.

In the days leading to Town Meetings, concerned residents would visit Charlie at the store to express their opinions to him as their representative about upcoming town matters. During the 4th of July Parade, politicians and candidates would often step out of the parade march to shake Charlie's hand and seek his support.

When he could be persuaded to take time away from the hardware store, Charlie and Kathy enjoyed their travels together to Italy; England, Scotland and Ireland; France; Germany; several resorts in the Caribbean; and a cruise to Alaska. Even years later, he remembered the "prosciutto e melone" he ate in Florence. Charlie and Kathy shared many warm summer evenings together on the front porch of their Centennial Street home, where they were often joined by neighbors, and the drivers of passing cars would stop to wave and chat briefly. He was fastidious about his lawn and considered one dandelion a personal insult.

In addition to Charles Jr., he is survived by a daughter, Charlene Vandini of Plymouth; two grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was the son of Mando Vandini and Rose (Reggiani) Vandini, and the brother of the late sister of Joan (Vandini) Tassinari.

Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court St., Plymouth. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, from 4-7p.m. at the funeral home.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday May 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church,