Charles "Charley" J. Volpone Jr.

March 25, 1937 – August 28, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we share the passing of Charles J. “Charley” Volpone Jr., who left this world peacefully on August 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Known to many as “Smiling Charley,” he was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend whose warmth, humor, and unwavering love for family and golf touched countless lives.

Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Charley was one of seven siblings and discovered his lifelong passion for golf at the age of 10 at Ould Newbury Golf Club. That spark would grow into a storied career marked by excellence, humility, and joy. After graduating from The Governor’s Academy and while playing for the Boston College Eagles, Charley burst onto the scene by winning the Massachusetts Amateur at just 19 years old—a sign of the greatness to come.

Over the decades, Charley built a legacy as one of New England’s most accomplished golfers. His trophy shelf included titles from the Vermont Open (1970, 1974), New Hampshire Open (1972), Rhode Island Open (1977), and Maine Open (1978), as well as multiple NEPGA Championships (1971, 1974) and Massachusetts Opens (1971, 1972). He also qualified and played in two US Opens. He was honored six times as NEPGA Skip Wogan Player of the Year and inducted into the Boston College Hall of Fame and the New England PGA Hall of Fame. Even though he said with a smile, “Winning never gets old,” Charley’s true greatness lay in his sportsmanship, his generosity, and the joy and integrity he brought to the game.

Charley’s love for golf wasn’t confined to competition. As the Golf Professional at Wheatley Hills CC, Merrimack Valley GC, and Nashawtuc CC, he mentored generations of players with patience, encouragement, and that signature twinkle in his eye. He continued teaching well into his 80s throughout MA and, in a feat that delighted all who knew him, recorded at least one hole-in-one in every decade of his life—the final one at age 83.

Beyond the fairways, Charley was a devoted family man. He found his greatest happiness in the company of his family and dear friends, swapping stories, playing marathon gin rummy sessions, sharing laughs, and savoring life’s simple pleasures. His storytelling was legendary—full of vivid characters, dramatic pauses, and punchlines that left the room roaring. His smile lit up every space he entered, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Charley is survived by his loving children: Rachel Volpone (Scott Davis), Esther Blacker (Bob Blacker), CJ Volpone (Kelly Anne O’Connor), and Emily Volpone (Jeff Klosterman); and his adored grandchildren: Isobel, Sophia, and Micaela Davis; Joshua, Gabrielle, Julia, and Charley Blacker; Charlotte, Aidan, and Nicholas Volpone; and Lukas Klosterman. He also leaves behind his dear sisters: Ann Card, Carlie Lewis, and Judith Solazzo (Bob Solazzo). Charley was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Alice (Donovan) Volpone, and his siblings, Gerald Volpone, Norman Volpone, and Donna Volpone.

Charley’s legacy is one of integrity, laughter, and love—a life lived with immense joy and heart. His spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his memory will be carried forward in every swing of the club, every story shared, and every smile sparked by his name.

A celebration of Charley’s life will be held on Friday, September 5 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s in Scituate, MA. All are welcome to honor the man who made the world a little brighter, one smile at a time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to First Tee (firsttee.org) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) are welcomed.