Charles O. Lepage

AUBURN – Charles O. Lepage (“Chuck” or “Charlie”), 91, of Auburn, formerly of Rumford, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

At the heart of Charlie’s life was his beloved wife of 71 years, Joan (Cote) Lepage, his high school sweetheart, from Lewiston High class of ’52, and lifelong partner. Their marriage was a testament to devotion, faith, and enduring love — a beautiful example to all who knew them.

Born on March 25, 1934, Charles was the son of Charles Lepage and Violet (Sirois) Lepage. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Alma Grimmel, Irene Bonaitis, and Georgette Boulay.

Chuck proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War. Following his military service, he embarked on a pioneering career in aerospace and satellite communications. From 1957 to 1967, he worked at Hughes Aircraft Company, where he began in Telemetry and Command for the groundbreaking Early Bird and Intelsat satellite systems. Chuck was at the center of creating some of the world’s first communication satellites—work that helped shape global communications as we know it today. Portions of his contributions have been displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

In 1968, he continued his distinguished career with Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT), managing the Andover Earth Station and overseeing Telemetry, Tracking, Command, and Carrier Monitoring systems. His work connected continents and brought the world closer together.

Despite his extraordinary professional accomplishments, Chuck’s greatest pride and joy was his family. In addition to his devoted wife Joan, he is survived by his children: James and wife Debbie; Mike and wife Jennifer; Lynn Fitzpatrick; Sally Arsenault and husband Dick; and David and wife Leslie. He also leaves behind 16 cherished grandchildren and soon-to-be 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immeasurable happiness.

Chuck was a man of deep faith and community. He was a devoted communicant of the Parish of the Holy Savior at St. Athanasius–St. John Church, where he sang in the choir for many years. He was also a proud member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Napoleon Ouellette American Legion Post #24, where he enjoyed camaraderie, playing pool, and faithfully maintaining the pool cues each week so they were always in perfect condition.

A man of many talents, Chuck was a gifted artist who created a large body of work inspired by the beauty he loved—weathered barns, quiet fishing spots, rugged shorelines, and sweeping landscapes. He was also a musical savant who could play many instruments by ear, especially the piano, and he entertained every chance he had, filling rooms with music and joy.

An avid fly fisherman, Chuck spent countless treasured hours on his beloved Androscoggin River and enjoyed fishing trips to Montana, the Bahamas, Canada, and beyond with friends and family.

Above all else, Chuck was incredibly giving of himself. He was happiest beside Joan and surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His steady presence, generous spirit, and boundless love leave a legacy that will endure for generations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Parish of The Holy Savior St. Athanasius–St. John Church, 126 Maine Ave in Rumford at 11:00 a.m. on March 21, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life in the church basement. Interment will be in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta at a later date.

Friends and family are invited to share memories of Charles at http://www.meaderandson.com.

Chuck’s life was one of service, creativity, faith, and enduring love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, http://www.stjude.org