Such wonderful memories every time I think of Charlie. It was always great to spend time with him.

It’s hard to believe our dear Charlie has been gone for two years.  Memories that remind us of what good friendship is…of smiles…of sharing good cheer with all . He is always in our hearts. We love you, Marge. Love, Ann Corwell 

Dear Marge and friends of Charley's,
It was my honor to have known Charley for 40 years as a friend, a fellow golfer, a businessman, a person who was a leader in everything he did, and a person who gave back to the community and its institutions. In particular I witnessed Charley's thoughtful leadership at Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the International Business School at Brandeis. 
Charley was a true Man for All Seasons.
He will be sorely missed.
With Love,
Art and Vida  Goldstein

Among many lessons I learned from Grandpa, one of the most meaningful has to be the last one. When I heard about his health getting worse, these news also came with the declaration that he regrets nothing, and has done every single thing he wanted. Absolutely nothing on the bucket list.
This inspired me to try and lead a life similar, in that way, to his. Of course it’s a long journey, but how beautiful is this parting gift?
Other memorable times with Grandpa will always be countless hands of Gin, the last visit to see him in Florida, sunny golf afternoons, planting our Hibiscus bush at the lakehouse, and the one time we sat down for hours and I heard his whole life story.
I’ll think of Grandpa whenever I prepare for an interview, too; because for the first job I ever applied for, he walked me through the whole process, simulated asking me questions and made sure I knew all the tricks he taught his students. Just like any other person whose memory I read on this page, I will forever be grateful for knowing and loving this remarkable man.

The first time I got to meet Charley, my future father-in-law, was back in 1981, in a Parisian bistro, over a bowl of soup. I mean, Charley’s head was literally falling into the bowl, while Marge was leaning back against the wall with her eyes closed. They were both exhausted from a long trip from Australia to come visit their daughter Deb, jetlagged and evidently not having heard my 22- year-old self trying to make a first good impression at the dinner table. When five years later, I cautiously picked up the phone one night and asked Charley for his daughter’s hand he typically responded: “what have you been waiting for?”  And that was his first lesson I learned to appreciate: Move fast. 
Over the next 34 years Charley taught me innumerable, valuable lessons: 
Always have a Plan B. 
Don’t bother peeling the orange – just cut it. 
Load the dishwasher the way you would plan a production floor. 
Master the art of carving a turkey. 
Eat gefiltefish. Not for the taste, for the memories it gives. (I just had some, in memory of Charley).
And many more pieces of smart, enriching, advice for any life situation. Clearly, Charley treated every issue large or minor, with equal care, paying attention to every detail.
I will fondly remember all of our family visits, at our home in Tzur Hadassah, at Marge and Charley’s home in Boston, at Bromley, and the pinnacle of our family vacations – at Laurel Lake. And at other times, especially when we got to announce to Charley and Marge, with great joy, the birth of their four Israeli grandchildren, Romy, Noam, Yair and Ely. Together we celebrated the meaningful events of our family: be it a bris (Charley performed twice as sandak), bat mitzva, or bar mitzva. They always showed up for these and other events, with enormous bags full of gifts for the kids, spoiling them to their bones.
I will always carry with me Charley’s generosity, warm hugs, and reassuring presence. Rest in Peace. Our family will do our best to carry on your legacy.

My grandfather was always an inspiration for me, and, I'm proud to say, for many, many others who's lives he touched.
I'm especially grateful for the opportunity I had to travel to my grandmother's and his residence in Florida, exactly one month ago, to say goodbye. I know not everyone gets to have that time with their grandparents, and some don't even get to know them for as long as I did.
Grampa, I'd like to have you know I hanged all the pictures you painted which I have, and now they all really light up my bedroom. I'm never taking them off.
So, Grampa, please rest in peace, and know we will forever remember you at your best as a kind, generous, crucial person in our lives.

Charley was my father in law for many years.  He made a mark on the world while touching the lives of everyone around him. He was warm, funny, appreciative and always made me feel welcome.  He always had a great story to share or a bit of advice ("always buy your shoes a size up, take care of your teeth, keep trying you'll get it...) . He had a very sweet way of teasing me ("how are those hockey puck muffins coming along?).  I will always remember his warmth, the many holidays and special events that we shared as a family and his encouragement.  He was a caring grandfather for my children Molly and Ethan and played a very special role in their lives .  I am deeply grateful for our time together and the many special moments that we shared.

My dear Housens, 

I'm so very sorry to have heard from Allen Young about Charley. I'll always treasure the warmth of your entire family. Even when I'd just pop in at Laurel Lake, you always made me feel warmly welcomed. You've always felt like part of my family, so I feel like a part of mine is missing. 
Bruce Plotkin

My deepest condolences to Marge, Deb, Phyllis and Morris on the passing of Charlie. As one of Phyllis' best friends growing up in Erving, I spent a great deal of time with the Housen family. I have very fond memories of many dinners, my  introduction to the Jewish faith and traditions,  pool parties and trips to the lake house. Charlie always had a big smile to share with others. His presence was so large and warm. I was not surprised to hear of his years of service and generosity to so many causes. May your years of wonderful memories together give you comfort in the days, months, and years to come.

Peggy (Graves) Simeone

 My Cousin Charley was a special impactful person.  I recall with much fondness all the family gatherings especially with my parents interacting with Margie and Charley as if they were their kids as well.  I affectionately remember at my son's wedding in 2018 I quoted Dr. Seuss' guarantee of Brock's union at 98 3/4%, Charley asked why not 100%.  That was true Charley-always striving for 100%.  He always wanted the very best for his family, his friends, and his community.  His intellect and warmth will be missed.  Charley's spirit and zest as well as his total engagement with life will stay with us forever.  Even more, it will inspire us.

please allow me to send a sincere thank you for including me in the shiva yesterday.  I was 1 of the "call ins".  although I did not directly contribute to memories so eloquently spoken, strong memories of Charley kept running though my mind.   My family, "Ellis" starting with my father Bill began working at the mill in the late 1950's, since then my Grandmother, an Uncle, a Cousin, and myself have worked at the mill, and continue to do so today.  If not for "CBH", Morris and the Housen family I'm not sure my family would have enjoyed the life experiences it has as a result, and for that all of us remain deeply grateful.  I'll always remember whenever seeing Charley, the tilt of his head, the sparkle in his eyes, and his warm way of saying hello.  Charley truly touched everyone who met him, whether for the 1st time or reuniting.  Thank you for allowing me the chance to say a few words, God Bless, tom ellis 

Charley Housen was a frequent and beloved presence for many, many years at the Brandeis International Business School.  He was dedicated to students, and he has had a lasting effect on students through the founding of the Executive-In-Residence program. He also led the Board of the International Business School with care and wisdom during a time of great expansion.   I am privileged to have known him.     

Below is a photo of Charley and Marge, taken with me, during the 25th anniversary of the International Business School in September of 2019.  The photo was taken at the opening reception.  Charley and Marge were there for the entire weekend – it is a very fond memory!


My deepest sympathies go out to the Housen Family, Marge,  Morris, Phyllis , Deborah and all their extended families.   
 My husband and I worked for Charlie for many, many years.    We have many fond memories of him .  He always had a big warm smile and made you feel like you were very important to him.  
For some reason I thought he would always be around to give advice.   
He will be missed by many people.   Our  thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time .
Sincerely,
Kathy and Roy Gibbs

Dear Marjorie,Deborah, Phyllis & Morris,
Jane and I  are so deeply sorry to hear of Charley's passing. No mere words can capture his spirit but we hope that you can take some comfort knowing how very special he was to so many people.

I went to work for Erving as a laboratory  technitian  in 1957 and met Charley at that time. In one form or another I have been associated with him all of these many years. He was my boss, my mentor and ultimately my friend.  

In all of this time I have know him to be one of kindest, smartest, fairest and most honest men I have ever met.

May God bless you all.

Bill & Jane Ellis



Below is a copy of the Eulogy of Rabbi Robert S. Goldstein from today's service (part 1).

I first met Charley Housen 47 years ago.  I was a young college student at UMass Amherst and an aspiring rabbi, and Charley and Margie were young parents raising three kids, Deborah, Phyllis and Morris in Erving.  I was the bar mitzvah tutor and later, if I remember correctly, led the service for Morris’ bar mitzvah!

My memories of Charley then, and always:  a gregarious, warm-hearted generous man.  There was barely a worthy cause - locally, Jewish or secular - that Charley did not support.  

I remember Charley’s parents.  His mother was a spirited woman, his father a bit more reserved, but solid, loving.  That was the home in which Charley, and his sister Joanne, were raised.  They were hard working, deeply respected in the community, loyal to family and faith.

As a young man, Charley went off to Loomis, and later Tufts.  In 1970, at the relatively young age of 38, he took over the business and grew it into one of the most respected family owned companies in Massachusetts, if not beyond.

Charley’s success was proof that good guys can finish first.  The devotion that his employees had for Charley was a reflection of his commitment to them.  He knew his people; he cared about them and their families.  Their loyalty was a reflection of the company culture that Charley fostered:  people first, profits will come.  Those skills aren’t necessarily taught in business school, it was who Charley was, a part of his character.

In the later years, when he handed over the reigns of the business, Charley, along with Margie, continued and even expanded their active involvement in charity work.  Those endeavors (along with the occasional game of golf – well, maybe not so occasional) became their primary vocation.

Below is a copy of the Eulogy of Rabbi Robert S. Goldstein from today's service (part 2).

It would be impossible to list the many worthy causes that Charley and Margie support:  Brandeis, Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, CJP.  Charley and Margie gave of their time and treasure.

Locally, there is barely a worthy cause in the Town of Erving that did not benefit from Charley’s generosity.  His concern for his workers extended to the people of Erving and the surrounding communities.  There were so many organizations he supported, people he helped…some known, and so many people he helped quietly, anonymously.  

Charley lived a full life; successful businessman, respected philanthropist, he had a vast circle of friends…around Erving, in Boston, in Florida, but when all was said and done, Charley always believed his greatest accomplishment was his family.

He and Margie were partners in every way.  They were a team – intellectual equals, their values aligned.  Married for sixty-three years; it is hard to imagine one without the other.  And Margie never left Charley’s side - supporting him and loving him until the last breath he drew.

As a father, Charley took pride in his children’s successes.  How Morris stepped up, and the way he is running the Paper Mill, shaped by the values that Charley lived by.  Morris’ partner Melissa and his children, Molly and Ethan, brought Charley untold joy.

Deborah’s love for Israel was nurtured in the Housen home.  The work she does, the people she helps, made Charley immensely proud.  Deborah, along with her husband, Lior, and their children Romy, Noam, Yair and Ely, though far way, they never let distance come between them.

And Phyllis, she struck her own path.  Her creativity, her commitment to her work; Charley took pride in her career and her growing success.

Below is a copy of the Eulogy of Rabbi Robert S. Goldstein from today's service (part 3).

Over the years I would occasionally run into Margie and Charlie, one time at an AIPAC dinner in Boston, another time at the Williamstown Theatre.  It was always a struggle to get near Charley.  He was always surrounded by a gaggle of people, his characteristic smile; he radiated warmth.  That was Charley Housen.

There is a verse from Pirke Avot: “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot.”  I think of few people who were as happy, as satisfied with their life as Charles Housen.  He had it all:  a loving wife, children and grandchildren, a successful career, earning the devotion of his employees, the loyalty of his customers, and the respect of his competitors.  And he was generous, leaving his mark, his support of so many worthy causes.  And he had fun…he was joyful and happy.

He is now at peace; Charley’s sojourn has come to an end.  He is back in the place he loved.  And each of us was blessed to have been part of his sacred circle of life.  Zichrano I’vracha – may Charles Housen’s memory forever endure as a blessing.

The Jack & Bernadette Whitney Family
    Charley was a magnificent man and a great friend.
    Our whole family did service work for the Housen family & the Erving paper mill for over 30 years.
     Charley was a prince of a guy. Would stop in at Stoneville Auto in Erving , every late spring to let us know him & Margie has just got home from Florida. They would always ask how our winter had gone. Charley was an outstanding personable man.
      They would always think of our family when they needed another vehicle purchase, equipment transported or most anything repaired throughout the year.
    Charley is going to be greatly missed by our family. Plus , many others all over the country.
   Our prayers are with Mrs. Housen & family.
   We will not say bye , because we will cross paths with Charley, at some future point .And what a “Reunion “ we will have!!

Charley and his family are a presence  going back to my earliest memories and I will never forget his warmth, his humor (and the twinkle in his eye that often left me wondering if he was pulling my leg —he often was). Always a host who brought the fun:  a ride in the boat, my first (through tenth!) attempts at water skiing, a swim out to the dock, and sticky watermelon under the porch, a warm spot by the fire apres skiing in VT,  a warm hug in the receiving line at b’nei mitzvot and weddings.    My heart and love go out to Marge, Deborah, Phyllis and Morris, as well as their extensive network of family and friends who loved Charley too.    May your best memories always be a source of comfort. 
Much love and deepest condolences, 
Lori Gans 

For many years we were the neighbors of Deb and Lior in Zur Hadasa and had the opportunity to meet Charles during his frequent visits to Israel.  
The love he had for his wife, family  and grandchildren was warm heartening,  and so was his devotion to Israrl.  
It was easy to see how close they all were as every summer the family gathered for a month  in their in their lakehouse.   
May his soul rest in peace, Our most sincere condolences.
Rafi and Ayelet. 

Below is a copy of the Eulogy of Rabbi Robert S. Goldstein from today's service (part 3).

Over the years I would occasionally run into Margie and Charlie, one time at an AIPAC dinner in Boston, another time at the Williamstown Theatre.  It was always a struggle to get near Charley.  He was always surrounded by a gaggle of people, his characteristic smile; he radiated warmth.  That was Charley Housen.

There is a verse from Pirke Avot: “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot.”  I think of few people who were as happy, as satisfied with their life as Charles Housen.  He had it all:  a loving wife, children and grandchildren, a successful career, earning the devotion of his employees, the loyalty of his customers, and the respect of his competitors.  And he was generous, leaving his mark, his support of so many worthy causes.  And he had fun…he was joyful and happy.

He is now at peace; Charley’s sojourn has come to an end.  He is back in the place he loved.  And each of us was blessed to have been part of his sacred circle of life.  Zichrano I’vracha – may Charles Housen’s memory forever endure as a blessing.





Charley’s enthusiasm, interests and dedication were boundless.  Whatever the subject, the issues or challenges we discussed, Charley was always intensely involved and provided creative and constructive ideas and approaches.  As he was married to Marge, Alberta’s Brandeis classmate, we have happy memories of rendezvous at Brandeis, London, Palm Beach, and Israel during birthday and anniversary celebrations.  We will always remember his infectious smile, good humor and passion for all he undertook.  Alberta and Henry Strage

Among the benefits of meeting and becoming fast friends with Morris back in 1981, was adopting an extended family. It was a package deal of sorts - Mr. and Mrs. Housen and Deb and Phyllis of course; along with Joel, Joanne, Pam, Barry, Sam and Mark. Who can forget Passover chez Housen in Erving, MA? Talk about impressions on a 14-year old! There is not enough space to share those incredibly fond memories, nor the ones I have of Charlie, over the last 42+ years. Except I can say that Charlie's big smile, strong handshake and warm hug - all somewhat larger than life - always set the stage for lively conversation about family and business, colorful stories, thoughtful opinions and advice, and (mostly) funny jokes! Charlie, you will be missed, but the memories I have of you will remain and bring a smile to my face and an improvement to my day - just as if I were with you. Love you always. -Craig.

Charlie was a 'member of our family' back to about 1950, when he and Michael Etra met for the first time. We kind of grew up together for 2 generations, despite the difference in geography (we in NY and the Housens in MA). We will miss him.

Michael, Julie, Barry, Susan, and Anne Etra and Elizabeth Jick

Marg, Morris, and all the family: So sorry to hear about Charlie. I often think of Charlie and my time at Erving. I always enjoyed traveling with Charlie and meeting with customers, whom he always charmed. My favorite story of his, which I often tell to others, is one that happened at a special class he was taking, the purpose of which I've forgotten. The instructor was teaching a session on concentration and used Jack Nicklaus as an example. At the end of the session the instructor asked if there were any questions, stating "There's no such thing as a stupid question." Charlie raised his hand and asked "Who's Jack Nicklaus?" 
I hope this brings a smile to you all in this very sad time. 
Larry (LSD at EPM and EHC)

So sorry to hear of Charley's passing. He will be greatly missed.
The obituary was beautifully done and really captured Charley.
I remember when I first met Charley through the American Technion Society and he raved about Margie and  his whole family which was always first on his mind. He then went on to tell me about Erving and all the innovative ideas he had to expand the business. He then talked about the importance  of Technion. What a wonderful human being Charley Housen was and he always was a great pleasure to be with.
Ernie Glickman

Thank you Charlie, for your unfailing kindness and generosity of spirit. I have so many wonderful memories of visiting you, Marge and Morris at the lake house in Erving, spending mornings having breakfast and sharing stories, enjoying the calm before the gang arrived for the weekend. You were always curious about me and my work, always took the time to ask about my family and my children, and always made me feel welcome in your house.  Your legacy are your amazing and beautiful children and grandchildren, who I have had the great fortune of getting to know, and many of whom I am lucky to call lifelong friends. I am grateful to have known you and for the times we spent together. I am thinking of you and missing you, and my thoughts are with your family today. 

I met Charlie many times over the years, and each time he was animated and full of life. I remember when they moved the tennis tournament (Volvo?) from Boston to New Haven, CT (where we lived) he called me immediately and we made a date to go together with him and Margie and Morris, all of whom drove down. He will be missed.

We send our love to the entire Housen family during this difficult time. We know that his was a life well lived with family and friends who love him deeply.  The best possible legacy for anyone. Perhaps in time,  that will bring comfort. 
Our heartfelt condolences. 


Dear Marge, Deb, Phyl, Morris, and families,
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing and am sending loving thoughts your way. I will always hold dear the times we shared at your home, at the Lake and Bromley. Your family was always kind, generous  and open to sharing beautiful traditions, and I am the wiser for it. Your Dad was a kind man giving much to his family, business and community. You are all a reflection of the love and teaching he and your Mother have put into each of you as you have chartered your own paths. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Much love,
Kathy Ellison

I met Mr. Housen in 1984 while working for a landscape company working at Erving Paper Mill   He stopped his car at the entrance where we were working and introduced himself, complimented the crew and chatted briefly before going back to the office.  A remarkable man!

Charlie was a wonderful man. My family had a camp at Laurel Lake. I remember going by their camp and he always had a wave and a hello for everyone. I met him a few years ago in Florida while I was volunteering at a local hospital. We spoke about where I was from and then  he turned around and looked at me and said, “You’re Don’s W.....’s daughter”. He took me by surprise. His lovely wife then joined the conversation and we all reminisced about the good old days at Laurel Lake and Orange and Erving. Charlie touched many lives and  will be missed by them all.  Prayers going out to his family. 🌹

Morris, this a Hasidic story that might offer you comfort. Long ago, in a village far away, there was a beloved rebbe who ran a yeshiva.  He was recognized far and wide for his wisdom and his excellence as a teacher. Students literally sat at his feet to learn from the rebbe who always wore  the same coat when teaching. Upon his death,  another rebbe at the school found  a distraught student tearfully wailing. “Who will teach me now? How will I ever learn?’ And the other rebbe said to the student, “Your rebbe is still a great teacher for you and always will be. Only now, he has taken off his coat.”
Thinking of you and hoping you can find comfort in these strange days,

Charley and I hit it off almost immediately when we met in 2015, just a few short months after I met and fell in love with his son, Morris.  Charlie was warm, generous to a fault, and always with a ready smile. I was immediately welcomed into his home and his family. Over time, we played more hands of gin rummy than I can remember, and if I said I won any of them I’d be lying. We met for lunch at B&G Oyster and discovered a mutual love of everything on the menu. We would sit and talk long after we finished our food. He told me about meeting Margie, about Erving Paper and about his love for his children. He never missed an opportunity to share his food with my dog, Daisy, and to his delight, Daisy soon found a permanent spot at his feet. The last time I was with Charley (February 2020) we went for lunch in Florida. He was feeling well and ordered bluepoints.  It was an ordinary day but also an unbelievably special one. 

Charlie was an amazing support to 100's of graduate students at Brandeis International Business School. He founded the Executive In Residence Program there, showing his leadership and sharing his brilliance. He will be greatly missed by us all.

I was so very sorry to learn that Charley had died.  I have known Charley and Margie over the years through my folks, Audrey and Harris Yett and have only warm memories of Charley, who was always affectionate, open, generous and happy whenever I saw him. Much love to all of the Housens and others who loved him. xo Cindy Kaplan

Mickey & Betty Rodin
Chicago, Il

We met Charlie through business and we shared that connection for many years. Our friendship with Margie and Charlie grew and we always looked forward to our Florida reunions. He brought out the best in everyone. Charlie was a dear and unforgettable friend.
Our heartfelt condolences to Margie and their family.


Charlie was a year ahead of me at Tufts. We both lived in the AEPI fraternity house. Our paths separated until we started the annual fraternity reunions about 20 years ago. My wife Lynne and I spend summers in Michigan, and winters in California. The only time we got to see Charlie was at the fraternity reunions, but oh, how we looked forward to being with him and Margie. He was so much fun in those poker and bridge games. He was a solid thinker about what was happening in the world around us. Most of all we just felt good being around him.

I was a fellow AEPI brother at Tufts  and knew Charley since 1953.Along with Marge he attended all our annual reunions including a two week trip to France..In his later Florida years he became a wonderful painter .Charley was a warm, generous human being and we will miss him.

Gil and I were close friends of Charlie and Margie in their early days of marriage and friendship. We remember when Charlie didn't know how to ski and he was ready to throw Gil off of Killington's peak if only he could have gotten to the hill's bottom by himself. WE have lots of fond memories of Charlie - should he go to law school or not? Was Erving Paper Mills calling to him? Living in Erving (wherever that was) with his Brooklyn born wife, Margie. We are greatly saddened by Charlie's death. We shared many wonderful moments over the years and want to extend out love and condolences to Margie, Debra, Phyllis, and Morris.

Every day at the Lake House.  Your bear-hug embrace, your vibrancy, grace and exuberance were warm, sincere and meaningful.  Thank you so much for sharing all you had.   I’ll always recall fondly your broad smile, love of Margie and your family.   What a ride you had.  May you and the Housen Family be comforted by knowing how many people loved and admired you.  Gratefully, and with love, John, Maria, Benny, Zack, Claudia and Pei. 

OBITUARY

Charles Bernard Housen

21 April, 1932 – 4 April, 2020

Stanetsky Memorial Chapel

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