Mr. Charles M. Tinker Jr.

Mr. Tinker was born on March 12, 1923 in New London, the son of Charles Sr. and Altha Sheflott Tinker. He married Helen W. Brigham on December 11, 1954 in Newport, RI. She predeceased him on July 17, 2003. Mr. Tinker served in the Army in WWII. He was employed for many years as a pipe fitter at Chesebrough-Ponds in Clinton.

Mr. Tinker enjoyed "tinkering" in his workshop and garage, and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He was known for his ability to fix things, and could always be counted on to help his family and friends.

He is survived by his daughters Deborah Bienkowski and husband Wayne, and Diane Tinker-Knapp and husband Paul, all of Waterford, his sister Norma Mitchell of Bloomington, IN, and his two grandchildren Adam and Kimberly Bienkowski. He was predeceased by a brother, Marvin Tinker, and a sister, A. Harriet Tinker.

Mr. Tinker's family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bridebrook for their compassionate care during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 261 Ledyard St. New London, CT 06320.

A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00am in Old Meetinghouse Cemetery in East Lyme. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Niantic ia handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for tributes, directions and more service information.