Charlie was born on February 22, 1936 in Cambridge, MA. His parents were Virginia G. Alexander and William D. Alexander. The son of a teacher, he was raised at and graduated from Middlesex School in 1953 and most recently served on its Board of Trustees. After Middlesex, he went on to graduate from Williams College, B.A. (’57), Harvard University, M.A.T.(’59), Trinity College, M.A in Classics (’68). He was a Fulbright scholar in 1964 at the American Academy in Rome.
In 1958, he began his teaching career as a Fellow at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. From there he went to teach at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia from 1959-60. In August of 1960, he was recruited to Groton School by his former mentor and master teacher, Frank May Benton, who had moved from Andover to Groton, MA.
For 48 years, Charlie committed his life to Groton School and exhibited through his humility, scholarship, loyalty, and passion, all the traits of a dedicated boarding school teacher, coach, advisor and mentor. Charlie’s emphatic and bellowing voice could often be heard echoing throughout the School House and on the sports fields. Ann and Charlie built a life in lockstep with the institution. Together, they ran a household of hospitality and raised their children, Beth, Sarah, Chris and Katie, in the backdrop of the school and felt fortunate to be part of such a stimulating community.
In 2008, Charlie and Ann retired to South Dartmouth, MA, and spent the last 15 years enjoying the quiet of Massachusetts’ South Coast, where Charlie enjoyed birding, watching Red Sox games, and visiting with family and old friends, especially around the dinner table filled with lively conversation. Charlie was known as Poppy to his grandchildren and developed unique relationships with each of them through his humorous manner. He will be remembered for his grammar lessons and funny quips, his obsession with sea shells and antique clocks and his full head of cotton-like white hair.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Ann Alexander, his three children and their spouses: Sarah A. MacEachern and husband John C. Christian, C. Christian Alexander, Jr. and wife Harriet, Katherine A. Sears and husband Nathaniel; 9 adoring grandchildren: Liza, Will, John, Rebecca, Annie, Meg, Charlie, Clay, and Cora. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother William D. Alexander, Jr. and his daughter Elizabeth W. Alexander.
The Alexander family greatly appreciates Charlie's compassionate caregivers of the last six months.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s Chapel on the campus of Groton School at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the following institutions: Groton School, Middlesex School, and Williams College.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5