Charles Frederick Henderson

Charles F. Henderson of Country Hill Road in Brattleboro died November 16, 2023 at Pine Heights. He was born on February 10, 1930, in Houlton, ME, the only child of Lewis F. and Daisy (Broad) Henderson. The family moved to Brattleboro in 1933, where Charles attended elementary school and graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1948. He completed a post-graduate year at Tilton School in Tilton, NH in 1949. He attended the University of Vermont in Burlington and Marlboro College in Marlboro, VT.

Charles was drafted and served in the Army from 1953-1956, stationed primarily in Karlsruhe, Germany. After he returned to Brattleboro, he began employment with New England Telephone in 1958 starting as a lineman, then installer-repairman, then cable splicing technician, achieving the rating of journeyman. When he retired in 1991 fiber optics was just being introduced. He was a strong advocate of rights for workers and involved in the labor union that represented him and his colleagues.

After Charles retired, he was a volunteer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital until 2011. He began by installing Lifeline telephone service in people’s homes, then transportation in the hospital, then assisting in the office of the volunteer coordinator. He was also a volunteer in the office at All Souls Church in West Brattleboro, where he was an active member.

Charles fell in love with Mary Holden, proposed at the Green Door Restaurant and they were married June 20, 1964 in Brattleboro. He was a friendly, outgoing individual with a mischievous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Charles is survived by his wife Mary, a son Michael Henderson and wife Shannon of Johns Island, SC, a daughter Rebecca Streeter and husband Jon of West Swanzey, NH and a daughter Amy Henderson of South Burlington, VT. He also leaves two grandsons, Jackson and Charlie Streeter, and a granddaughter, Olivia Prue.

There will be a memorial service at All Souls Church in the spring. The family is grateful to the staff at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Pine Heights for their care. For those who wish, the family suggests memorial gifts to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Development Office, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or All Souls Church, P.O. Box 2297, W. Brattleboro, VT 05303.

Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net.