Charles was born on September 27, 1930 in Stamford, CT to the late Harry Sr. & Regina (Nurney) Richter. Raised in the depression by his mother and uncle with his 6 brothers and sisters, he would go on to live a rich and rewarding life. After school he apprenticed as a tool and die maker, but soon chose to follow his first calling, which was to become a Catholic priest. He was ordained at St. John's Seminary in Boston in 1960. He met his wife, Alice, while serving at St. Stephen's Parish in Stamford, CT and soon after he realized his new calling was to be a husband and father. Even though he left the priesthood Charlie lived a life full of faith.
He was thrilled to marry the love of his life, Alice Dinnar Richter, on February 17, 1973. Charlie and Alice
were blessed with four children, Dennis, Karyn, Charles, and Christopher. Together they created a loving and lively home in Vermont where he worked as an elementary school teacher, special education teacher and a driver's education instructor. Mr. Richter was a beloved teacher at Whitingham Elementary and was known both for being a caring teacher and for always having lemon drops for his students! His four children have countless stories of the fun summer adventures they enjoyed with their Dad since he had every summer off to spend with them.
As a city boy he grew to appreciate the quieter life of Vermont surrounded by pet dogs, chickens, and even goats (who always came to him when he called them). He retired from teaching in 1999, but continued to share his love of learning with his children, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Charles was always up for a thoughtful conversation. Whether his children and their spouses wanted to have philosophical, theological, or political discussions his insight was greatly valued and will be sorely missed.
Charlie enjoyed the beautiful vista from their home in Whitingham for many years, but after one too many
blizzard-filled winters he and Alice chose to move south to North Carolina for more pleasant weather. During his retirement he enjoyed traveling, volunteering, working as a Justice of the Peace, and time with his children and grandchildren. He and Chris enjoyed a shared interest in politics, and he loved spending afternoons helping Crystal, Zachary, and Adam with their schoolwork. Charlie and Katie enjoyed many heated games of Crazy 8s and "Guess Who" with Papa. He was a proud and loving great grandpa to Braelyn. Charles wanted his children to remember, "Family is your most important asset and should be preserved throughout life.” With all the hats that he wore throughout his life, he always put his family first and we will be forever grateful for that.
Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Alice Dinnar Richter, and their children: Dennis Richter and his wife Christine of Wilmington, VT, Karyn Jones and her husband Richard of New Bern, NC, Charles Richter and his wife Molly of Wakefield, MA, and his son Christopher Richter of New Bern, NC. His grandchildren: Crystal Bell, her husband, Dylan, and their daughter Braelyn of South Newfane, VT, Zachary, Adam, Charlie and Katie Richter. He also leaves behind his sister Mildred Downing of Tequesta, FL. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Harry and Francis Richter, and by his three sisters, Jean McGrath, Kate Vigliotti, and Regina "Babe" Andrews.
We will have two services to celebrate Charles' life: A funeral mass will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, July 11, 2019 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in New Bern, NC. The second, which will include the burial of his ashes, will be at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington, VT in September.
In lieu of flowers please enjoy some lemon drops, play board games with your children and grandchildren, or make a donation in his memory to Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilmington, Vermont.
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