Charles Albert Hildreth

Charles Albert Hildreth (“Chuck” to friends and colleagues, “Charlie” to family) passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 85, surrounded by family at his home in Mont Vernon, NH, following a battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Chuck was born in Lewiston, ME, on May 29, 1939, the youngest of six children of Winfield and Mavis Hildreth. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1958. During high school, Chuck met his future wife, Nancy Patterson. They married in 1959 and built a life together, having four children.

After serving as an Air Force MP in Morocco and Pease Air Force Base, Chuck and Nancy settled in New England, where he worked for Friendly Ice Cream for 36 years. Chuck’s work took the family to several New England towns before he retired in 1999 as a Division Manager. He was proud of his career, particularly of the people he worked with, and many of his former employees became lifelong friends. His children also worked at Friendly’s, further cementing the company’s place in the family’s legacy.

Chuck was passionate about his service in the Air Force, and he remained a proud veteran throughout his life. His love for the Air Force, Friendly’s, and his country were matched only by his devotion to his family. Chuck was also an active community member through the Masons, Rotary, YMCA, Easter Seals, Association for the Blind, and his Church.

His greatest joy came from his large, close-knit family, whom he cherished deeply. He enjoyed babysitting his grandchildren, attending their activities, and creating a loving home for all. Chuck and Nancy were married for over 65 years, and their bond was the foundation of a strong, supportive family network.

Chuck was predeceased by his five siblings and their spouses, except brother Jay’s partner, George Odencrantz of Auburn, ME. Chuck is survived by his wife, Nancy; his two brothers-in-law, Nelson and Neil (Carolyn) Patterson, and one sister-in-law, Natalie (Dan Wilder); children Tom (Kathryn), Tracy (Drew Smart), Terri (Pete Eckhoff), and Tim (Micheal Bissonnette); 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to the Congregational Church of Hollis, the American Cancer Society, the American Alzheimer’s Foundation, or Home Health & Hospice Care of Merrimack, NH.