Charles Chester Zimmer

Charles Chester Zimmer, 89, a longtime resident of Sudbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, to Lucille (Racle) Zimmer and Howard Zimmer Sr., Charles began his career as an electrical engineer with General Electric and Honeywell before transitioning into computer engineering. He later worked for Siemens, where his lifelong fascination with technology flourished. An avid learner, he loved exploring how computers worked, often reconfiguring and improving them. When the first personal computers became available, he eagerly bought one, wrote his own programs, and proudly saw several of them published in computer magazines. Known affectionately as the family’s “computer guru,” he was always ready to repair, troubleshoot, or improve any device that came his way.

Outside of his technical passions, Charles found great joy in sailing, especially on Lewis Bay in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod where his family spent a treasured week each summer. He was also a devoted fan of Ohio State football and the Boston Red Sox

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Gladys (Goodhart) Zimmer; his daughter Julia Puishys and her husband William of Brookfield; his son Matthew Zimmer of Framingham; his cherished granddaughters Emma and Moon, his brother Howard Zimmer Jr. and wife Betty; and his nieces Cheryl and Marcia. His humor and “Dad jokes” were infectious, and his deep love for his family was evident in everything he did. He will be remembered as the best husband, Dad, Grampy, brother and friend anyone could ask for.

Services will be private, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice House of Lincoln or to The American Cancer Society for Brain Cancer research.