Charles W. Hedrick Jr., a resident of Schooner Estates in Auburn, passed away on Oct. 26, 2023, at Marshwood Center in Lewiston. He was 88.
Charlie was born Gerald Thorington in Stamford, Conn. A child of the Depression, he was placed in foster care. He was adopted by Charles and Marion Hedrick of St. Johnsbury, Vt. Charlie graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, Babson College, class of 1956, and the ABA Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
In 1957, Charlie completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. He served for four years in the U.S. Navy on minesweepers, including the USS Rival and USS Bold. He continued his service in the Navy Reserve. In 1972, he was promoted to commander. He retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1977.
Charlie started his carrier in banking at Shawmut Bank in Boston. He later joined Depositors Trust Co., which merged with Key Bank, from which he retired in 1995. Charlie was a fixture in the Augusta-area banking community and mentored younger bankers. He chaired the March of Dimes Campaign and the United Way of Kennebec Valley. Later he was active in Rotary International.
In 1972, Charlie married his wife, Suzanne. For many years they resided in Augusta. After Charlie’s retirement, they moved to Nobleboro. Charlie was a parishioner of South Parish Congregational Church in Augusta and Second Congregational Church of Newcastle.
Charlie had an amazing mind and memory. During conversations he had a phenomenal ability to drop tidbits about history, geography, sports, and other subjects. He was beloved by family, friends, and acquaintances.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Suzanne; sons, John Power and Charles C. Hedrick; daughter, Anna Power; daughter-in-law, Sarah Hedrick; grandchildren Aaron Liakas, Collin Smith, Paris Smith, Esme Power, Ariel Power, and Owen Power; and great-granddaughter, Aria Liakas. He was predeceased by his birth siblings, James W. Thorington Jr., Lucia Ladd, Kendall S. Thorington, and Syliva Breck.
Charlie’s family thanks the wonderful residents – including Erwin Berg – and staff at Schooner Estates in Auburn and the caring staff at Marshwood Center in Lewiston.
In lieu of flowers, Charlie’s family requests that donations be made to the Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle, P.O. Box 565, Damariscotta, ME 04543, or The Second Congregational Church of Newcastle UCC, P.O. Box 243, Newcastle, ME 04553.
