Retired Cranston Fire Chief, Charles A. Wales, of Cranston, Passes at 92
Thursday, September 09, 2021
Charles A. Wales, 92, of Cranston, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on Monday, September 6, 2021, at Rhode Island Hospital following a courageous battle with COVID-19.
He was the beloved husband of the late Helen A. (Gilbert) Wales for 63 years. They were blessed to have many years of happiness together.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Arthur L. and Elizabeth R. (Dwyer) Wales.
Charles proudly served in the US Navy on a destroyer ship in Korea. He shared many memories about his service with his family and was honored to have served his country.
While still serving in the Navy he married and soon after his discharge began a career in the Cranston Fire Department. He said that “There was never a day that I didn’t want to go to work." He loved his job. It was more than that, his career path in the Fire Department defined him as a dedicated, passionate firefighter acting in the service of others. He retired after 39 years of service, as Cranston Fire Chief in a career that he loved. He made many lifelong friends over the years.
Charles "Chuck" earned an Associate Degree from CCRI in Fire Science attending classes in the evening while also working a second job. He worked part time as a carpenter and builder. He had served as Chairperson of Central Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross, Senior Instructor CPR First Aid and Rescue Classes for the RI Fire Academy CCRI, served on the Cranston Board of Contract and Purchases and was a member of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board.
Chuck was involved in many activities at the Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church. He sang in the choir for many years, served on various boards and committees, washed dishes for the May Day breakfast, and recently led a Memoirs group that shared life stories.
He was a dedicated, loving, and generous father and grandfather attending countless soccer and baseball games, dance recitals, and band concerts. Many happy family memories involve long rides to get ice cream or clam cakes in the family station wagon, cookouts, boat rides, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. He completed crossword puzzles in ink, enjoyed a good book, and had a passion for writing with attention to detail and grammar. He enjoyed his garden.
He is survived by his daughters Nancy E. Larson and her husband Harold, Joanne K. Wales, Jennifer H. Ferri and her husband John, all of Cranston, grandchildren Eric R. Larson, Alexandra E. Bullard and her husband Matthew and Michaela J. Ferri.
He was the brother of the late James B. Wales.
During Sunday morning church announcements Chuck would make a Memoirs Group meeting update followed by the words “Stay Tuned.” In tribute, we will stay tuned to a life well-lived.
Public visitation to which all are invited to attend will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2021, from 1:00-4:00 pm in The Butterfield Chapel, 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.
The Funeral Service itself will be private for the family.
The Wales family has specifically requested that all attending the visitation wear a mask while in the funeral home.
Kindly omit flowers.
Donations in his name may be made to the Rhode Island Special Olympics, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles A. Wales, please visit the floral store.
