Charles E. Bragdon Jr.

WELLS – Charles E. Bragdon, Jr., “Charlie” passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 18, 2023 after a period of declining health.

Charles was born in Lewiston on Dec. 23, 1937, to Charles E. Bragdon Sr. and Myra G. McGaffey. He grew up in New Gloucester and attended area schools. He graduated from Gray/New Gloucester High School in June of 1956 and the following June, married Pauline “Polly” Burns. Polly and Charlie were married for over 60 years and together they had three children, Stephen, David and Patricia.

They moved to Kennebunk in 1964 where they raised their family and the children attended area schools.

In September of 1973 the family suffered the painful loss of Patricia, following a tragic pedestrian accident.

In 1984 Charlie and Polly moved to Sebago Lake where they renovated a cottage turning it into a beautiful waterfront home. Charlie spent 30 years working to create the most beautiful lawns and flower gardens on this large lakefront property. They spent many enjoyable years boating and entertaining. In 2000 upon their joint retirements, Polly and Charlie began to spend winters in Marco Island, Fla. and summers in Maine. Upon the sale of both homes in 2014, they moved to beautiful Riverbend Woods in Wells where they resided until both of their passings.

Charlie retired as a plant and quarry manager for Pike Industries after having worked in road construction for over 36 years.

Charlie was a great outdoorsman who loved the water and boating. He was an avid fisherman, both commercial and recreational including open water and ice fishing. He enjoyed hunting for both large and small game. In his younger years he was a trapper to provide income for the family.

He was a Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He enjoyed coin collecting, photography and visits to the casino. Charlie also enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, and bird watching. He loved horse racing and previously owned several harness race horses. Over the years he and Polly travelled extensively and enjoyed several cruises together.

Charles is predeceased by his parents; his grandparents Ruth and Lester McGaffey and Eleanor and Wallace Bragdon Sr.; his beloved wife, Polly; his sister, Ruth Bowie, his brother, William “Bill” Bragdon; son, Stephen and daughter, Patricia.

He is survived by his son, David C. Bragdon and wife Gayle Witham; granddaughters Amy P. Bragdon; Stephanie M. Bartlett, her husband Joshua Bartlett and daughter Bristol; grandson, Eric Bragdon, wife Mia and their two daughters; daughters-in-law Carole M. LaBranche Bragdon, Sandra Harpell and Amber L. Bragdon; sister-in-law, Aline Bragdon; great-uncles Wallace Bragdon and Charles Fortier.

The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice for their compassion and support. The family would also like to thank Charlie and Polly’s neighbors for their friendship and help the past few years with special appreciation to Judy Turner.

Visitation will be held at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk on Tuesday, July 25 at 12:30 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 1:15 p.m. Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence please visit Charlie’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the

American Cancer Society (https//:donate.cancer.org) in the memory of Charles and Pauline Bragdon.