Charles J. "Charlie" Heckler

Charles (Charlie) J. Heckler, 95, resident of Hereford Lane, in West Woodstock, CT died peacefully on Easter Sunday at his longtime home surrounded by both family and friends. Charlie was born July 10th, 1911, the son of Charles Heckler and Marie Gerber Heckler of Coventry, CT. Charlie attended local schools in Coventry, CT and graduated from Manchester High School in 1929 where he was an outstanding track and field runner. After graduation Charles worked in farming, nursery work and automobile sales before finding his true calling in the Connecticut State Police. In November 1936, Charlie joined the Connecticut State Police as a trooper and was stationed at Troop D in Danielson, CT. Charles' fine law enforcement work was personally commended by Commissioner Edward Hickey, specifically for having contributed above all others in his department towards the resolution of criminal matters. Charles served 10 years at Troop D until 1945 when he was promoted to Assistant Windham County Detective, working with longtime Detective Rowe H. Wheeler. In 1957, Charles was promoted to Windham County Detective and assisted States Attorneys in that capacity until his retirement in 1972. During his tenure, Charles worked with five different States Attorneys including Howard Bradford, Searles P. Dearington , Louis A. Woisard, John Sullivan and Harry Gaucher, Jr. For two years (1949-1950) Charlie also served as the personal chauffeur and bodyguard to then Governor Chester Bowles. As the Governors' chauffeur, Charlie had the opportunity to drive many of the Nation's politicians and dignitaries of the day including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice President Albin Barkley, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson and Hubert Humphrey. Charlie retired from public service 1972 and began his second career raising polled Herefords on his property in West Woodstock CT. Charlie, along with his sons Joe and Norm, ran NoJo Farms, where he kept as many as 100 Herefords and became well known locally for his high quality Hereford livestock and practical husbandry advice. Charles is survived by his wife Pearl, son Norman, and sisters Josephine and Marie. His youngest son Charles (Joe) Heckler II predeceased Charles, as have his beloved brother Alfred and sisters Alice and Jeanne. Charles is also survived by grandchildren Katherine, Charles III, Norman Jr, Jason, Matthew and great grandchildren Grant, Luke and Madeline. Calling hours will be held at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT on Friday, April 13th 2007 between the hours of 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held the following day Saturday, April 14th, 2007 at St. Joseph's Church in Eagleville (Rt. 32 at the junction of Rt. 275) at 10am. Charles' burial will be in Coventry at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bungay Fire Brigade in West Woodstock as thanks for their many trips down Hereford Lane. The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers, health aides, medical technicians, visiting nurses and Dr. Saul Ahola who all made his last years among us rewarding and comfortable. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfh.com .