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Charles E. Gunn, age 84, of North Branford passed away peacefully on June 13. He was the beloved husband of Darlene (Brisson) Gunn, his wife of 62 years. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Dec. 29, 1934, to the late Fred and Mildred (Everett) Gunn. He spent his childhood years in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, where he graduated from high school in 1952.

He is survived by his daughters Lisa (James) USN Crudden of Lisbon, Katherine (David) Sullivan of Branford, and Patricia (Curtiss) Wakefield of Guilford. He is also survived by grandsons Edward (USMC), Martin, and Robert (USMC) Crudden, and Ryan (USMC) and John Sullivan. He was predeceased by his grandson Jake Wakefield.

Chuck was active in community affairs for more than 40 years. He served as a member of the Charter Revision Commission, as mayor, and as deputy mayor; chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals; and chairman, Planning & Zoning. The Town of North Branford designated June 7, 2016, as Charlie Gunn Day.

He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a BS in electrical engineering and received an MS from Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute while being employed as an instructor. He spent his 36-year career at United Illuminating Company, retiring in 1994.

Chuck loved spending time with family and friends. He was a friend to everyone he met. His first hobbies were photography and wood-working, building fine furniture and buildings. Other hobbies and interests included traveling with his family and trips to every state in the continental United States. He was very proud to have driven his ’34 Ford to Bend, Oregon, and returned with one small mishap. He restored a ’46 Ford convertible that received national recognition. He was a member of the Belltown Antique Car Club, serving as treasurer, and the Connecticut Regional Ford V-8 Club serving as president and treasurer. He was also active as a board member and national president of the Ford V-8 Club of America.

Chuck loved music, especially traditional American jazz. He was a board member and volunteer for the Greater Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival. He regularly attended ragtime musical festivals in Sadalia and Columbia, Missouri.

Chuck lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed his family, friends, work, and hobbies. He will be missed by many people.

Chuck spent the last year and a half as a resident of Artis Assisted Living in Branford. We would like to thank all of the caretakers, nurses, and everyone involved in his daily activities while residing there.

Family and friends called at the Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, on June 16. Funeral services were held on June 17 at the United Methodist Church, 811 E. Main St., Branford.