Charles Edmund Bamberg (Charlie), 88, of Manchester, NH, formerly of Reading, MA, died May 24, 2020 at The Manor at Birch Hill in Manchester, NH. He was born on December 29, 1931 in Somerville, MA, the son of Charles B. and Ada B. He was the husband of the late B. Carol (Anderson) Bamberg. They were married on September 19, 1953 in Stoneham, MA.
Charlie was a proud graduate of Stoneham High School Class of 1949 where he played baseball, hockey, and football, and attended Fitchburg State College. He also served in the US Army National Guard. Early in his career, Charlie worked at Raytheon in Bedford, MA. He joined the Plumber’s Union Local 12 in Massachusetts in 1965 and proudly worked as a plumber and as an instructor for apprentice plumbers seeking their journeyman and master’s license. In the mid-1970’s Charlie transitioned to a teaching career at Greater Lowell Vocational Technical High School in Tyngsborough, MA where he taught plumbing and coached his students in VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) regional and national competitions until his retirement in 1995. During his retirement years, Charlie served as a plumbing inspector in Reading and surrounding towns.
Above all else, Charlie was a people-person. He loved nothing more than sharing childhood stories and jokes. An avid Boston sports fan who shared his enthusiasm with his children and grandchildren, he also enjoyed golf in his later years. Charlie enjoyed coaching youth sports, and joining family, friends, and neighbors on a backyard ice skating rink he built in Reading where he and Carol raised their family.
Charlie was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. A man of inclusion, he greeted everyone in the same manner and loved chatting with new acquaintances until he found common ground—then the conversation would really become fun and memorable.
Upon retirement, he fulfilled a life-long dream to purchase a lake house when they bought a cottage on Rust Pond in Wolfeboro, NH. There he spent many years watching his children and grandchildren swim, boat and fish. He often referred to the lake house as his legacy to his family.
Charlie is survived by children Janet Bamberg (Jim Madore) of Stratham, NH, Lisa Laham (Mike) of Brentwood, NH, Kurt (Barbara) of Easton, PA. He was a proud Grampy to five loving grandchildren Michael Laham (Emma), Jillian Clemans (Brooks), Nicholas Bamberg (Jessica), Douglas Bamberg, Stephen Bamberg, as well as six beloved great-grandchildren (Mia, Woods, Ella, Remi, Alden, and Weston). He is also survived by sisters Ruth Michienzi of Burlington, MA, Shirley Garside of Burlington, MA, Jean Johnson of Derry, NH, Cathy Minichiello of Burlington, MA and Alice Bond (Mark) of Kennewick, WA, Julie Stobo (David) of Londonderry, NH, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers Louis and Robert and sister Phyllis LaLiberte, sister-in-law Rita Bamberg and brothers-in-law Vincent Michienzi, Alfred LaLiberte, Richard Johnson, Fred Garside, and Tino Minichiello.
The family would like to extend their deep and heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at Birch Hill who cared for him and Carol for many years. Charlie knew everyone by name and considered them family. He was known for sharing stories and jokes with staff and with the many friends he made at Birch Hill. Charlie helped organize and participated in many events and activities, and enjoyed frequent card games. Additionally, in his last days, Charlie received compassionate care from VNA Hospice of Manchester. He spent the last 11 years of his life as a beloved and appreciative resident of this continuing care retirement community.
No formal services will be held at this time. Burial will be private. The family is planning a celebration of Charlie’s life in the future when family and friends can once again gather.
Those who wish may make a memorial contribution in Charlie’s name to the Birch Hill Benevolent Fund, 200 Alliance Way, Manchester, NH 03102.
Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, NH. To view Charlie’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.
