Charles William Converse

Charles was born on December 7,1947 to Robert and Mary Converse in Hornell, New York. After graduating from Letchworth High School , he enlisted in the Marines and served in the “1st Reconnaissance Battalion” in Vietnam, serving (3) tours between 1967-1970. His courage and resilience were a testament to his character and remained evident throughout his lifetime.

Upon returning home, he began his career as a lineman and line foreman for the Rochester Gas & Electric Co. where his tenacity and hard work were well recognized. In 1970, he met Theresa (Bennett) Converse, and they wed in 1977, going on to have two children, Andrew and Matthew. After retiring in 1990, they moved to Smith Mountain Lake, VA.

As a youth, Charlie attained the rank of Eagle Scout and learned the spirit of leadership and service. He was a competitive roller skater and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Outside of his professional pursuits, Charlie was a master carpenter and a theatrical set designer, often lending his time and talents to the Greece Athena Theater, Jewish Community Center Theater, Rochester Association of Performing Arts in New York. In Virginia, the Gretna Little Theatre as well as extending his talents to NYC with the American Theatre of Actors. His love for detail and precision, honed during his youth and military service, was evident in his cherished coin collection and his stunning Japanese koi collection. His love for nature and the outdoors was profound. An avid gardener and angler fisherman, he had a deep affinity for raising exotic birds. His philanthropic endeavors included participation in bird sanctuary efforts and children's organizations such as Bob Leather playgrounds and becoming a founding member as master set designer for Kids Helping Kids non-profit organization. He volunteered regularly at Glade Hill Elementary School and Winstead Elementary School, always eager to give back to his community.

Charlie was predeceased by his son, Matthew Charles Converse; his parents Robert William Converse and Mary Louise Converse; his sister, Susan Ann (Converse) Dobson; and his brother, Richard Eugene Converse. He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Theresa Maria Converse; his son, Andrew Jason Converse; his granddaughter, Abigail Jean Converse; his sister, Kristine Louise Converse; and his brother, Gary George Converse.

Charlie was a man of integrity, humbleness, and honesty. His greatest joy came from giving his time, energy, and talents to others. He will be remembered not just for his accomplishments but for his generous spirit, his love for his family, his dedication to his country, and his unwavering commitment to serving others.

He will be interred at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on July 11, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Spring Hill Event Center at 1018 Parkway Drive, Spring Hill, TN 37174 from 1:00-2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Charlie's memory.

He lived a life filled with love, bravery, kindness, and service. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of generosity, integrity, and love for the community will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.

“ For all the Lives Your Heart Touched, All The Good Your Hands Built, And All the Lessons Your Mind Taught, We are Eternally Blessed and Grateful”

A video recording of the service will be made available for those unable to attend. A link will be shared at a later time.