Charles William Milliken, Sr.
December 30, 1940 - December 5, 2021
NORTH WALPOLE, NH – Charles William Milliken, Sr., 80, of North Walpole, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2021, at the Sullivan County Health Care nursing home in Unity, New Hampshire.
Born on December 30, 1940, in Boston Massachusetts, Chuck attended public school in Boston before enlisting in the Air Force in 1958, at the age of 18, and served our country for four years. In 1959, while stationed at Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland, Canada, he met Dallas Brenda Mercer, and they were married on August 12, 1960, in Boston. Chuck and Brenda were happily married for 61 years.
After the Air Force, Chuck worked at Kennedy’s Butter & Egg in Jamaica Plain (Boston), before going to work in retail for the F. W. Woolworth Company in 1969 as an assistant manager, and then a store manager. Over the years he managed Woolworth stores (and one Woolco store) in Agawam, Massachusetts, Kingston and Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, and Keene, Claremont, and Lebanon, New Hampshire. He retired from Woolworth’s in 1994 and was by then, better known to many as “Pop.”
Chuck was very loyal and a hard worker his whole life. From the age of 12 selling newspapers, shining shoes and setting up bowling pins in Boston, to serving his country, to his nearly 30 years of faithful service to Woolworths, he always believed in going to work every day and giving an honest effort in order to better himself and his family.
Upon his retirement, Pop made a hobby out of going to see all his sons’, grandkids’ and great grandkids’ school and sports events, and he would travel far and wide to support all his family’s activities. Pop was also a very loyal Boston sports fan, especially to the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins. He was thrilled to enjoy four Red Sox World Series Championships, six Patriot Super Bowl titles, and the Bruins Stanley Cup win in 2011.
Above all else, however, “family” was the most important thing to Pop. He had so many wonderful relationships with not only his children and his siblings, but also his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, nieces and nephews, and really, all who are a part of his “extended family.” Pop truly cared about everyone in his family and went to great lengths to always maintain those relationships and lend a helping hand and a kind word whenever anyone needed him… no questions asked. He will always be remembered as an honest, loyal, hard-working family man and his memory will forever be cherished.
Pop was predeceased by his parents, Elliot and Nellie, sisters Alice Corbett, Harriet Doolittle, and Evelyn Tornberg, and brothers Elliot and Donald Milliken. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Brenda, his son, Charles Jr. and wife Bonnie, of Charlestown, New Hampshire, son Joseph and wife Kelly, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, and son John of Claremont, New Hampshire. Pop also dearly loved his five grandchildren, Alyssa, Craig, Nathan, Erin, and Justin, and his four great grandchildren, Claire, Grace, Emmett and Teeghan.
Arrangements were made by Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, Vermont. There were no calling hours, and a private service for immediate family was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Walpole, New Hampshire. The Milliken family will be hosting a “celebration of life” for their beloved Pop in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, 91 Maple Ave., Keene, New Hampshire 03431, or at cedarcrest4kids.org.
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Joe Milliken
posted December 8, 2021We love and miss you so much, already Pop. It will never be the same without you. I am lucky and honored to have had you in my life. ~ Son #2
Karen mcallister
posted December 8, 2021My uncle was the best person son dad brother a person could ask for. He took care of us when mom ( evelyn) needed help. Mom is celebrating the renighting of her brother while we are holding his honor. Till we meet again you will be missed 💔 we love you. Uncle chuck
Rose Ann Cook
posted December 8, 2021Chuck was my brother in law and was a wonderful addition to our family! He was a loving and patient husband to my sister, Brenda and a fabulous father and roll model for his sons and their families.
I know my dear parents, Joe and Gladys Lastovica loved and respected him. Chuck was always there when he was needed in every way. He had a wicked sense of humor and was the life of the party whenever he was around.
My family really looked forward to their visits to Texas during the summer! Of course, Texas summers are a little different from New Hampshire summers, and we can’t even say it’s a dry heat. It’s a wet heat! But we all had a ripping good time anyway!
Chuck, you did well and you touched and inspired so many. Thank you. Till we meet again, Love you, Rose Ann
David Jellie
posted December 8, 2021It is so very difficult to lose someone who literally meant everything to his family. Mr. Milliken, as I knew him for over 40 years, was a large man, possessing great character, and looming larger than life to those who were fortunate enough to have come into his enormous circle. He was able to increase the magnitude of his heart, never allowing his love to be diluted as his family grew. Always present at games and events, he always impressed me with his ability to ask specific questions about my father or my wife or children which demonstrated his genuine interest and kindness. My deepest condolences go out to the many members of this great family with whom I have been close for so many years. I am feeling for you all at this time.
Hugh C. Ledford, Jr.
posted December 8, 2021We go back to the first grade together, and I had the opportunity to speak to him the day before he passed. It was always a great opportunity to catch up with what was going on. I will miss that, but hopefully the relationship will continue with the boys.
Hugh C. Ledford, Jr.
posted December 8, 2021A friendship dating back to the first grade. Hopefully, it will continue with his boys.
Linda Milliken
posted December 8, 2021I remember when my husband Donny and our 2 boys would go to NH for a few days
We always had fun
I especially remember the first time we went going back to Boston it took him 6 1/2 hours to get home mind you it was only a 2 – 3 hour drive 🚗
Ron and Jeanne Newman
posted December 11, 2021Ron and I feel grateful for having met and known Pop and Brenda. We even stayed at their house on one of our Vermont trips. We enjoyed them very much and feel lucky and grateful that our daughter, Kelly had them for in-laws. Ron and I will miss Pop as Jeannie corresponded with him on a semi regular basis. RIP Chuck! You will be missed for your caring wonderful ways! Love, Ron and Jeannie
Ron and Jeanne Newman
posted December 11, 2021Ron and I loved Chuck”Pop” Milliken, We feel grateful for having known Chuck and Brenda. As Kelly’s parents, we even stayed at Chuck and Brenda’s on one of our trips to Vermont. He was such a warm and caring man. He was very good to our daughter and we know how much she loved her in laws. We tried to see them on our visits to Kelly and Joe’s. Most of the time , we were able to visit with Erin’s other Grandparents. Jeannie corresponded with Pop up until health issues ,for both, prevented this from happening. One of the best memories was an evening spent with Chuck and Brenda, at Kelly and Joe’s playing Sorry, I think. Of course, Erin won! RIP dear Pop! You were a wonderful husband, Father, friend and grandfather! Love, Jeannie and Ron
Funeral Service
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WHERE: St. Peter's Cemetery [Private to Immediate Family} see map
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