Charles Herman Hoy

Charles H. Hoy, 97, of Lewiston died early Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025, at the Auburn Hospice Center. He was born March 31, 1928, to John and Emma (Hoffmann) Hoy. He was the youngest of nine siblings. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. Upon leaving the service, he would marry his spouse of sixty-six years, Florence (nee Brown), and became the father of two children, and a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather. He was regarded as a strong rock for his family and spouse.

He commonly went by his nickname, “Charlie.” He worked early in life mostly on cars as auto-tow-truck driver and as a mechanic, and snow-plowing. Later in life, he earned his GED and took training courses in sheet metal work, working at Hahnel Brothers and Bath Iron Works as a welder. He took exceptional pride in his work, and in trips to the coast would point out some of the naval vessels he helped to build. He designed ducts and other furnishings for several local businesses and nursing homes, for Grace Lutheran Church, and also designed crosses for pastors and bishops. He was also skilled at the lathe at home, and designed woodwork for both his own home and for and all those who treasured his designs.

He was a ski-instructor at Lost Valley. He also hiked up the Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire. He loved the great outdoors, went camping, fished as often as he could, and always went ice fishing on his birthday. He also loved going to the stock car races at Oxford Plains. He loved bowling, and playing cards (a family tradition at the Hoy house), He watched westerns and wrestling, and would stay up late watching the news. He knew his way down many roads in Maine and much of New England. His favorite foods were coffee, ice cream, and cookies. He often said he never met an ice cream he didn’t like.

Even though he was a quiet man, he was incredibly kind, and friendly, easy to approach, generous with his gifts, and loved even as he was much beloved by his family and friends, his coworkers, and the congregation at Grace Lutheran, where his lifelong tenure as a parishioner deemed him a well-respected elder. He could warm the heart of a total stranger with his smile, his gift to gab, and his deep generosity of spirit.

He died quite suddenly, but peacefully, in hospice care, with his son Tom and family and friends who lived locally and could be present in attending for his final hours. “Dad” and “Grandpa” is lovingly remembered by his two sons, Michael (and Karen) and Thomas (and Tammy); his grandchildren Martin (and Krystle), Philip (and Jackie), Katie, Gabriel (and Amber) and Alissa; his great-grandchild Coraline; his niece Connie (and Paul), and his sister-in-law Ruth. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers John, George, Albert, and James; his sisters Mildred, Martha, Pauline, and Lillian; and his spouse Florence.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church at a later date and time to be announced. Thank you to the CMMC hospital in Lewiston, and Andwell Hospice House in Auburn and Clover Manor.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home | 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240 | (207) 784-4023