Charles Albert Waterman, 82, of Damariscotta, passed away on the evening of July 30 after a period of declining health. Born on June 15, 1935 in New Rochelle, N.Y., he was the son of Burleigh R. Waterman of Portland, and Mabel O. Thompson of Houlton, who met at the University of Maine Orono in 1920.
After graduating from Bronxville High School in Bronxville, N.Y. in 1953, Charles received a degree in Communications from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. in 1957. He was then commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served on active duty until late 1960. He then served eight years in the inactive reserves, retiring with the rank of captain.
A union stage actor since 1956, he returned to New York City in 1961, appearing in TV dramas, commercials, working at regional theatres, and auditioning for Broadway plays, but fell into the world of business by 1965. He sold advertising for the Wall Street Journal, McCalls, Holiday, Time magazine, Travel & Leisure, and Bon Appetit until 1976, when he moved to Los Angeles.
It was there he sold insurance and managed large apartment buildings while continuing to act, where and when he could. Los Angeles never felt like home though.
By 1989, semi-retired, he returned east, to Damariscotta where his two sisters still lived. He directed and acted in over 50 productions at R.T.C.A., L.C.C.T. (Lincoln County Community Theater) and River Company, which he cofounded in 1998. He served as president, creative director, treasurer until 2004, and remained a board member. He also authored “Watermarks,” a collection of illustrated poetry in 2003.
He will be laid to rest at 11 a.m., Wed., Aug. 16 at the Pine Knoll Cemetery in Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences, and messages for Charles, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.