Charles A. Thurlow

Charles ?Chuck? Albert Thurlow, 74, of Canterbury, CT passed away unexpectedly after a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, June 23, 2016. Born June 26,1941 in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Harry C. Thurlow and Phyllis J. Stevens. With that mischievous smile on his face, it was easy to see why if you didn?t know Chuck, you knew someone who did know him. For those that didn?t know him, it was only a matter of time before you did. During his time in the U.S. Army, Chuck served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1978, he was recognized as ?Soldier of the Year? with the Connecticut National Guard. He worked for 15 years with the University of Connecticut with the Department of Agriculture. He served as Secretary-Treasurer with Windham Real Estate and Investments and later established his own company, ?Chuck?s Modulars.? He is also the past-president of The Ashford Hungarian Social Club, local Justice of the Peace; performing wedding ceremonies for two of his granddaughters. He was involved in the local grange, and Masonic Lodge. Once retired, he dedicated and devoted his time to the world of Scouting. As a dedicated volunteer at June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation, Chuck has been very active in Boy Scouts starting initially as a Cub Scout leader in Brooklyn when his son first joined Scouts. Described by his friends and loved ones ?as a man that got things done,? Chuck definitely left a legacy on the lives of many Scouts as well as the camp itself. Having received a number of awards, he was particularly proud of his ?Golden Tractor? award, his ?Golden Agitator? award, and ?Know my Limits? award - because even though he knew his limits, he never paid attention to them. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years Matilda (Varga) Thurlow, whom he met at a grange skating party when he was in the U.S. Army. They were married April 11th 1964 and had two children; a daughter, Barbara (Thurlow) White and a son, Alexander Thurlow and resided in Brooklyn until later moving to Canterbury. Chuck is also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren: Danielle White, Emerald Thurlow, Jacob Thurlow, Cynthia (White) Greene and husband Jaye and one great-grandchild: Laylah Greene. Growing up in an especially large family, he leaves behind many brothers and sisters: Harry and wife Virginia, Calvin and wife Loretta, Ethel and husband James, Luther and wife Lorraine, Andy and wife Mary, Phillip, Carl, Phyllis and husband Patrick, Keith and wife Janice, Mark and wife Carri, and Thomas. He also leaves sisters-in-law Emma and husband Charles, Irene and husband Harold,?Barbara, Irma, Kay, Marion, and brother-in-law Chet Ryan. Many special nieces and nephews as well as his Scouting and Lodge families. Chuck was predeceased by his father, Harry C. Thurlow Sr., sister Marjorie, and brother, Warren. As well as brothers-in-law Alex, Edward and his wife Eunice, Charles and Gene; and sisters-in-law Sylvia, Lillian and her husband Tom. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195), Willimantic, CT A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Storrs Congregational Church, 2 North Eagleville Road, Storrs Mansfield, CT at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Storrs Cemetery, North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his Chuck?s name to: FOW/CRC, ? 231 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT 06278.?Charitable donations may be made to:FOW/CRC? 231 Ashford Center Road,, Ashford CT 06278