FARMINGTON – Charles “Charlie” P. Stenger, Jr., 91, “W1HTG” formerly of Jay and East Dixfield died early Tuesday afternoon at Edgewood Manor in Farmington.
Born in New York City, Dec. 26, 1919, a son of Charles P. and Elizabeth Stenger, Sr., he received his education in New York schools. Charlie was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps where he was a ham radio operator, stationed in India during World War II. On May 14, 1949, he married Rose Mary Bonham in New York. They made their home on Long Island where he worked for New York Phone Co., until he retired in 1977 and they move to East Dixfield. Mrs. Stenger died March 12, 1996.
Charlie was a member of the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335 of Jay and had served in the Color Guard. He was past president of the Wilton Fish and Game and had taught hunter safety and personal protection classed for 22 years. He was a member of several ham radio clubs and even had a ham radio in his room at Edgewood Manor. He played the banjo and guitar and will be remembered as having done things “his way” and having a smile.
He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Parker and her husband Barry of Michigan; and his extended family at Edgewood Manor in Farmington. Liz and Barry would like to express their gratitude for everyone at Edgewood Manor in caring for Charlie.
Charlie was predeceased by his wife; and a brother, Joseph. Condolences and tributes may be shared at www.wilesrc.com.
Funeral services with military honors will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High Street, Wilton with light refreshments following the services. Friends are invited to call one hour prior to the services. Winter entombment is at the center with interment in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton.
The family asks that those who desire make memorial contributions to Edgewood Manor Rehabilitation Center, 70 North Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938, or Beacon Hospice, 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 12, Augusta, ME 04330 or to the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335, 64 Jewell Street, Jay, ME 04239.
A good man, a teacher, a leader in area amateur radio, and now a Silent Key. 73 OM
Rusty KY1E
Charles attended a “senior dance” at our school a year ago. He was accompanied by some women from the residential care facility in which he resided. He was the life of the party!!! A man so full of joy, he radiated. Our students loved him, and he danced the night away with his walker. It was a beautiful night filled with such love and excitement, and I hope his family knows how much that night meant to our students.