Charles "Charlie" Joseph Juniper

Charlie Juniper, of Keene, New Hampshire, was called to Heaven in the early hours of Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 97 years of age. Born in Woodstock, Vermont on July 14, 1926, Charlie was the oldest surviving of his six siblings. Known by his nickname, Charlie was loved by one and all. His signature was his megawatt smile and calm and kind demeanor.

Charlie attended Winchester Schools for his primary education and later served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a Bosun’s Mate in the Pacific. Charlie made sure to send money back home to his family at every pay period. During one attack on his ship, Charlie was injured by shrapnel that remained imbedded in his neck for the remainder of his life.

Charlie earned the World War II Victory Medal and was proud of having represented his country during his military service. Charlie continued this dedication by his active participation with the American Legion Keene Post No. 4. Charlie was an Honorary Life Member of the Post. He served on the Executive Board, held the position of Sergeant-at-Arms and was a color guard for the American Legion Band, traveling with the band extensively throughout the United States. Charlie was also a member of the 40&8 Legionnaires Honor Society, and the Moose. On the occasion of his 80th birthday, Charlie was awarded a Certificate of Meritorious Achievement by Post No. 4, presented by Commander Don Holmquist. This occasion was one of the highlights of his life.

A few years after returning home from military service, Charlie dedicated himself to a successful career at Frederick A. Farrar, Inc., where he worked for 50 years, having retired at 65 and then returning 2 months later to work another 17 years! Charlie was a dedicated employee and friend to everyone there. Charlie had begun boxing in the Navy and continued upon returning home. Charlie retired from boxing as a six-time New Hampshire State Golden Gloves Champion. When interviewed by The Keene Sentinel in 2006, Charlie said he had to stop boxing, “…it got a little too hard on my face…!”.

Charlie was a master mechanic, becoming a stock car race enthusiast when he and his friends worked on cars at the Cheshire Fairgrounds stock car races. For many years, Charlie enjoyed traveling to racetracks in New York and New Hampshire following the racers that he had befriended over many years.

Charlie was also an incredible musical talent, and credited this talent as having been passed down from his father who he remembered as participating in minstrel shows throughout Vermont and New Hampshire when Charlie was a child. Charlie played the guitar and sang for many years in a country & western band for the enjoyment of many.

Charlie last worshipped at the United Church of Christ in Keene where many friends remember him well and made sure to keep in touch over the years while Charlie lived at Keene Center.

Charlie is survived by sister, Ruth (Rob Kenney) Warren; nephews James Bradford (Jeanne Maynard) Walker, Kevin Thornton, Keith (Rose) Thornton, Larry Juniper, Jimmy Juniper of the Monadnock region; Aaron Juniper, William Andre Juniper, Alan Redmond Juniper of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Michael Ray Juniper, George Randall Juniper and David Joseph Juniper of Winamac, Indiana; nieces Krysta (Teddy) Daniels of Springfield, Massachusetts and Karlene Thornton of Houston, Texas; great-nephews David Thornton, Ryan (Marie Finnell) Thornton and Justin Walker; great-nieces Vanessa (Ricky) Doble, Mariah Thornton, Natalie (Adam) Brown, Kandace Daniels and Karina Daniels; sisters-in-law Mavis (Lawrence) Juniper and Georgia (James) Juniper; step-children Kathy (Hank) Scarangella and their daughter Maddie Olson of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Norman (Marcia) Winchester of Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Charlie also leaves to cherish his memory a host of beloved and loyal friends throughout the Keene, Swanzey and Winchester area.

Charlie’s immediate family members who preceded him in death were his father William Henry Juniper, mother Elizabeth Fischer, brothers William David Juniper, George Juniper, James Juniper, Lawrence Juniper and David Thornton, and sister Elizabeth Walker.

Charlie was married three times and each of his wives preceded him in death; Grace Juniper (née Lorenzo) d. 1967, Jeanne Juniper (née Clemens) d. 1980 and Audrey Juniper (née Kirker) d. 2017. He laid each one to rest lovingly and cherished their memories and the good times shared.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery Swanzey, NH, followed by a celebration of Charlie’s life, at a date and time to be announced.

May Charlie Juniper rest in eternal peace and love, knowing that his was a life well-lived in which he touched the lives of so many with his warm smile and kind heart.