Charles Middleton

Charles Francis Middleton, 90, passed away peacefully on April 11, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in Reading on Sept. 2, 1933, son of the late Charles F. Middleton Sr. and Alberta (Schmitt) Middleton.

He leaves his devoted and loving wife of almost 65 years, Shirley Glynn Middleton. Together they raised three children in Sudbury: Wayne Middleton (and Meg Randazza) who predeceased him, Craig (and Susan) Middleton of Westwood, and Jane (and Joe) Wojcik of Hopkinton. His greatest joy was watching his six grandchildren grow into adulthood: Juliette Randazza; Chandler, Brett and Julia Middleton; and Alex and Ashley Wojcik.

Charlie was a product designer who began his career at Raytheon in 1951. In 1969, he started his own business, CFM, Inc., where he provided commercial product design services until his retirement in 1999. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Air force from 1952-56, serving in design offices in Texas and Germany.

Throughout his life, Charlie applied his creativity to drawing, woodworking, home improvement projects, graphic design (including making homemade cards), gardening and landscaping. He was an avid local sports fan, especially fond of cheering on the New England Patriots. In his retirement years, he appreciated winter retreats to Hilton Head, an evening glass of red wine, pruning his rose bushes, and spending time with friends and family.

In addition to his immediate family, Charlie leaves brother-in-law Anthony Leach of Chatham, as well as several adored nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 459 Brookline Avenue, SW120, Brookline, MA 02214, or to VNA (Visiting Nurses Association) Care, 333 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772-1755 or vnacare.org/donors.

UPDATE: A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, in St. Denis Church, 157 Washington Street, Westwood.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home in Hopkinton.

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