Westborough – Charles H. Gage, 86, of Westborough, a dedicated husband, father, proud veteran and man of faith, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
Born in Leominster, Charlie was the son of Walter and Evelyn (Johnson) Gage. He grew up in a large family and enjoyed spending time with his aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1953, where he enjoyed playing the cornet in the marching band. He was active in scouting and hiked 250 miles on the Appalachian Trail as a teenager. His love of the outdoors continued throughout his life with his own family, camping, hiking and canoeing.
After graduation, Charlie attended Boys Trade in Worcester and found a future as a Mechanical Design Engineer. He attended UMass Amherst and later Worcester Jr. College where he received his associate degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1959, Charlie accepted his first drafting job at Morgan Construction Company in Worcester and it is where he worked for 30 years. Throughout his career he developed 8 Patents. It was at Morgan Construction where he met his future bride, Nancy Berry, with whom he lovingly and devotedly spent the remainder of his life joyfully raising a family.
Two months after starting work at Morgan Construction, Charlie was drafted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country. His fondest memory was a 2000 mile convoy from El Paso, Texas to Yakima, WA. Stories from his time in the army would enter into almost every conversation he had with family and friends. Words used to describe him upon release by his commanding officer were “devotion to duty, initiative, loyalty and leadership”. These words perfectly described Charlie, a man who was steadfast even in the wake of a massive heart attack at the age of 46.
In addition to Nancy E. (Berry) Gage, his wife of 56 years, he is survived by two children, Deborah E. Ledoux of Westborough and Chris H. Gage and his wife Diane of Sterling. He was the proud grandfather to Bethannie, Allyson, Megan, Lucy, and Drew. He is also survived by his brother Rev. Raymond Gage and his wife Darlene of Ohio, a niece, nephews and many cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter Lynda and his sister Marilyn Hyson.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 20, at 10:00 A.M. in the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main Street, Westborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7PM, on Friday November 19, in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough.
The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Westborough Fire Department Ambulance Gift Fund, 42 Milk Street, Westborough, MA 01581.
