Charles D. Anderson

Charles Dennis Anderson Jr., 86, of Spencer, MA, passed away on Monday, August 19th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Buddy, as he was affectionately called, was born on March 24, 1938, to Charles and Doris Anderson in Boston, MA and grew up in Dorchester. He attended St Ambrose Elementary School and went onto graduate from Charlestown High School in 1955, where he specialized in Electrical Engineering. After high school, he spent 4 years serving in the US Navy. Buddy started his career with Boston Edison as a lineman and went on to work for the MBTA, starting as a foreman, and ultimately achieving the position of supervisor to the emergency crew. Buddy was a proud member of the IBEW Local 104. He was an incredibly hard-working family man who skillfully balanced full-time employment with continuing his education at night, all while providing his family with the means to create lifelong memories.

On April 8, 1961, Buddy married Elizabeth Brolin. Buddy and Betty went on to have 4 sons whom they raised together in Franklin, MA. Buddy loved the water and he and Betty made sure they lived near it whenever possible. From the early days on the water at their camp in Grafton, NH, to enjoying retirement by the ocean in Dunedin, FL they made the most of their days. They returned to Massachusetts to be closer to family and enjoyed many years on Lake Chaubunagungamaug in Webster where Buddy never turned down the opportunity to swim with his grandchildren. Their final days were enjoyed on the peaceful Cranberry Lake in Spencer, where he enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and the occasional “friendly” game of cards.

Buddy was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Jean and Carol, and his beloved wife of 62 years, Elizabeth who passed only six months prior to him. He is survived by his son Charles III and his wife Sherry of Orange, MA; son Kevin and his wife Kimberly of Millville, MA; son Bryan Anderson and his partner Kristin Peterson of Spencer, MA; and son Gregory and his wife Penny of Upton, MA. He was lovingly known as Poppy to his grandchildren Charles Anderson IV, Lyndsay Anderson, Jennifer LaValley, Nicole Morrill, Patricia Anderson, Kathryn Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Kelsey Anderson, Paige Anderson, Reese Anderson, and Dean Anderson; as well as his great-grandchildren Jordan LaValley, Cameron LaValley, Brennen Morrill, and Gabby Morrill. Buddy also leaves behind many friends and family members near and far including his sister Mary-Ellen Steller of Salem, MA, brothers Don Anderson of Maine, and Frank Anderson and Robert Anderson, both of FL.

There are no calling hours.

Services will be held Saturday September 21st at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough, MA at 12noon. Reception immediately to follow at Broken Creek Vineyard in Shrewsbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association.