Charles Gentle

Kittery, ME - Charles Francis “Franny” Gentle of Kittery, Maine, passed away on September 8, 2018.  Born January 1, 1945 in Worcester, MA,  the son of the late Charles H. Gentle and Catherine C. (Harding) Werre.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S Air Force, honorably discharged in April 1971.  “Cuzzin Fran” divided his life into two separate but equally important parts: maintaining his childhood friendships with his gang from Worcester’s Webster Square area as well as with his many golfing partners and friends at Pease Golf Course in Portsmouth, NH. At Pease for over 20 years as a player, starter, and marshal, “The Commish” coordinated the many weekly quota tournaments. “Coors Light with a cup of ice” was the only fee he charged for his services!  He was also a world class “45” card player.  A 1963 graduate of South High School, with his easy, outgoing personality and flaming red hair, Franny spent most of his life as a successful “one of a kind” sales representative, the last ten plus years in medical supplies and services. His passion for the “New York Football Giants” was legendary!

Franny is survived by his first-generation cousins from the Harding Family, David Harding of Gales Ferry, CT, Beth (Harding) Kempton of Martin, Tennessee, Carol Harding Parenteau of Webster Lake, Lynn Harding-Smith of West Boylston and Kim (Greenleaf) Harding of Shirley; Chrissie and John Turpin of Charlton as well as Donald, Bruce, and Kenny Gordan from Worcester. He was predeceased by his favorite, Mark Harding of Shirley.  Many second-generation cousins will miss his smile and sense of humor.

Special thanks from the family go to his long-time friend and roommate Billy Anderson who helped keep him going especially the last three years.

Friends of Franny are invited to join his family at noon on Saturday, September 29th at the Worcester Elk’s Club, 233 Mill St. in Worcester, to help us celebrate his life.  There are no calling hours and burial will be for family members only.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be m made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-1905.