Charles attended schools in Jonesville and on May 5, 1943, joined the U.S. Army where he served in the European Theatre Campaign. Following his discharge in 1946, he returned home and worked as an auto mechanic, a career that spanned over 35 years, retiring in 1989. His memberships included St. Andrew Catholic Church, VFW Post 10034, of which he was a life member, and the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post 59, all of Waterbury. In his leisure time he enjoyed, hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler and doing part-time gun smith work. He also liked to take day trips with his wife touring Vermont, New York and New Hampshire.
Charles is survived by his three sons, Charles R. Ashley and his wife Carleen of North Duxbury, James M. Ashley and his wife Lori of Waterbury, and Howard J. Ashley and his wife Peggy of Duxbury; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by a sister, Isabelle Osborne, and a brother, Wesley Ashley.
Friends may call at the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held from Holy Cross Cemetery in Duxbury on Thursday at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. To send online condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
