Greenfield, MA – Charles Anthony (Charlie, Chuck), 69, passed away Saturday, October 25th, following a long period of declining health and more recently from complications suffered from a stroke in June 0f 2025.
Charles was born in Montague City on March 3, 1957 at the former Farren Memorial Hospital, the son of Charles L. Keller and Vesta R. (Chickering) Keller.
Charles lived with his family in Turners Falls and Haydenville before moving to Greenfield in 1968 where he resided for the rest of his life.
In 1964 he was accepted at the St. Colletta School for Exceptional Children in Hanover, MA, graduating in 1977. During this time he came home on weekends, holidays and for the month of August.
Charles then attended Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls for one year and received a certificate in plant maintenance.
Charles was active in his community. He loved dining out at his favorite place, Denny’s Pantry. He enjoyed downtown. His favorite hobby was collecting records and he had an extensive collection in several musical genres.
He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church, with the Easter Vigil being his favorite time of year. He often said: “I really like the fire outside and the candles everyone holds in church before the lights come on!”
Charles had several jobs over the years. He started at Incentive Community Enterprises and worked as a janitor/custodian at Stoneleigh Burnham and Greenfield Public Schools, as well as the former Holy Trinity School. His final place of employment was at Viability of Greenfield before his health began to decline.
Charles was a member of the United Arc and a founding member of the United Arc’s Pioneer Club. The club taught its members how to advocate for themselves and be active participants in the civic life of the community.
Charles led a full life. His family and friends learned from him a profound appreciation for those less fortunate than themselves; and most importantly, the need for unconditional love, regardless of perceived faults or shortcomings.
Charles’ family would like to convey their deep appreciation and thanks to the United Arc for their 50 years of love and support so that he could live as independently as possible on his own.
Special thanks and appreciation are extended to those who provided love and compassionate care to Charlie during his final days: United Arc, Behavioral Health Network, Service Net and Pioneer Valley Hospice. You are all wonderful people and are loved very much!
Charles is survived by his brother Paul of Greenfield; two sisters: Debra Ryan (William) of Dalton, and Mary Lou Stone (Mark) of Lake Ozark, MO; two aunts: Kathryn Mickle (William) of Dalton and Robin Durlak (Bob) of Gravette, AR; two uncles: Alfred Chickering of Greenfield and Deane Chickering (Betty) of The Villages, FL; and several cousins, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A Calling hour for Charles will be on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal St., Greenfield. Rites of committal and burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to United Arc, 294 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376; or to Pioneer Valley Hospice, 101 Munson St., Suite103, Greenfield, MA 01301
To send a message of condolence or a memory of Charles, please visit www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com
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