Charles Amidon Brewster

Charles Amidon Brewster, 91, of Manchester Center and Tiverton, RI passed away November 3rd in Fall River, MA.

He was born on July 27, 1931 in Bennington, VT. to Robert Clayton Brewster and Cecile Tetreault Brewster. He was a Boy Scout in Manchester, his father, Robert, having established the first Scout troop here. Raised in Manchester Center, he graduated from Burr and Burton Seminary in 1949, where he was particularly proud of having been on their state championship football team. Charles was the salutatorian of his class; the poet Robert Frost was the commencement speaker. He graduated in the class of 1953 from Tufts University, receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy as Engineering Officer during the Korean War Era on the USS Achernar.

Following his Naval service, Charles pursued a career in Research and Development and Manufacturing. His time at Johnson and Johnson resulted in several patents for the manufacture of non-woven fabrics. Later in his career he focused on innovations in ultrasonic quilting and medical device manufacturing.

For over 30 years, Charles and his wife, Barbara, were the proprietors of Brewster Antiques on Bonnet Street. Their home there was a joy-filled gathering place for generations of their extended family. ‘Papa Charlie’ was a warm, kind and humor-filled person whose steady, positive influence was cherished by all.

Volunteer service was a large part of Charles’ life. He was a member of Rotary International, a long-time tutor with the Literacy Volunteers, a volunteer at and supporter of the Manchester Community Food Cupboard and worked with the AARP tax preparers’ program for many years. He was a supporter of the Manchester Historical Society and a communicant of the Christ our Savior Parish, St. Paul Church.

Charles was a man of many interests. He trained for years in distance running and participated in races all over New England, including the Maple Leaf Half Marathon in Manchester. He had a particular interest in genealogy and was a member of the Mayflower Society. He took great pleasure in solving the New York Times crossword puzzle every day! An avid bridge player, he recently formed a bridge group for both experienced players and newcomers at his residence in Tiverton, RI at Brookdale Sakonnet Bay. Charles enjoyed his view over Mount Hope Bay, being close to family, and being an active participant in that community. The caring staff and friends he made there were very much appreciated.

Charles was a devoted husband to his wife, Barbara Matter Brewster for 65 years. He was predeceased by Barbara and their son, Christopher Charles Brewster as well as his sisters, Priscilla Jestes, Virginia Coy and Roberta Brewster.

Charles is survived by his children, Robert M. Brewster (Mary) of Warwick, RI, Karen Brewster Pritchard (Michael) of Portsmouth, RI, and Jonathan M. Brewster (Deena) of Highlands Ranch, CO, daughter-in-law Susan M. Brewster of Braintree, MA, and sister-in-law Edna Matter of Norfolk, VA. He is also survived by grandchildren Jonathan Pritchard (Bethany), Sarah Pritchard, Daniel Brewster, Cordelia Brewster, William Brewster, Andrew Brewster, Katherine Brewster Kohli (Colin) and Abigail Brewster, great-grandsons Charles Pritchard and James Pritchard and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ our Savior Parish, St. Paul Church on Bonnet Street in Manchester Center at one-thirty p.m. on Saturday, November 12 with burial at Factory Point Cemetery following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Manchester Community Food Cupboard or another Manchester charity of one’s choice through Brewster-Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.