Obituary of Charles Bair

Charles Leroy Bair of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on September 23, 2020. Known by all as Chuck, he made his journey Home bravely and peacefully. He was greeted in Heaven by his beloved wife Frankie and beautiful daughter Christine. Chuck was born on December 6, 1931 in Fostoria, Ohio to George and Frances (Blake) Bair. He was one of eleven children. They were raised in Lorain, Ohio. In 1949 he registered for the draft. On January 24, 1952 he was one of 28 young men, all from Lorain, inducted into the Marines at USMC Base Cleveland. Following training at Quantico he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC as part of the 2nd Amphibious Reconnaissance Company. From there he was assigned to an experimental outfit and was sent to Greenland to test cold weather equipment and survival gear. He served his country proudly for 2 active years and 6 inactive years. On January 23, 1954 he received the National Defense Service Medal. Because his last name was at the beginning of the alphabet he was always the first of his landing party to repel onto rough terrain during harsh weather conditions, often being told to "hang on Bair!" Once on the ground the men were given only 2 sets of cold weather gear and slept in 2 sleeping bags in minus 27 degree weather. During his service he helped build an obstacle course for use by the whole company for training purposes. He was assigned to paint the signs for the course, thus beginning his painting career. In late 1950 and early 1960 he was a mechanic for a race car team and owned his own Gulf gas station in Delray Beach, Florida. After that he began house painting to earn a living. He was good at spraying so he was paid more money per hour to be the spray man. He was also known as the fastest porch painter. And his hard work led him to manage his own crew for many years. When he was older and spent the winters with his brother Clair and sister in law Betty in Boynton Beach, Florida, he helped them build their giant wooden Christmas display. He used his vast painting skills to paint the sleigh, reindeer, wise men, and carolers that the whole neighborhood enjoyed for many years. Chuck moved to Florida in 1954, married Rosemarie Bates in 1958, and they had 3 children. They were raised in Florida and Massachusetts. In 1977 he met Frankie Stroedter at a Parents Without Partners function and they were married on May 6, 1978 ("5678"). Although Chuck was raising 3 children on his own he selflessly welcomed Frankie's 6 children with open arms. Their big blended family grew by one more on August 12, 1980 with the birth of their daughter Carla. Needless to say, their house overflowed with noise and love. Chuck was a Boy Scout leader in East Bridgewater for many years. He enjoyed camping, going to car shows, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. Of all the names he was called, Papa and Grampy Chuck were his favorite. Chuck loved to catch fish...but not eat fish! Other wonderful memories include his meatloaf with the golden surprise, Elvis legs, and the family trip to Disney World. And no one will ever forget his famous quote. Whenever asked how he was feeling he always replied "with my fingers." He not only loved all of his children and his siblings but he deeply loved his wife Frankie. Recently celebrating 42 years of devoted marriage, they were inseparable until her passing in July. Their motto was "today, tomorrow, always" and now they are together forever. All of their children reside in either Florida or Massachusetts so one can imagine the rivalry when the Dolphins played the Patriots! After moving to Florida they traveled back to Massachusetts most summers to visit their other children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. His legacy will be his selfless love and compassion for others. His family lost many loved ones this year. But by God's grace we will all rejoice together again one day! Loving father of Carla and Duane Wright, Michael and Patti Bair, Steven and Renee Bair, Michelle Stroedter, Robert Stroedter, Paul Stroedter III, Rhondalee and Derik Larson, Pamela and George Atwood, JeanMarie and Harold Mazzilli, and Joyce Silva. Beloved grandfather of Angela, Brittany, Julia, Lily, Johnathan, Thomas, Ryan, Jessica, Sherrilyn, Michael, Rick, Josh, Charles, Melissa, and Vanessa. Beloved great-grandfather of Timmy, Nathan, Wyatt, Greyson, Jamie, Emma, Jacob, and Holden. A special thank you to Nancy and the entire hospice team. And to everyone that took care of him, especially his grandson Johnathan. A small private family service will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity in memory of Chuck.