Charles Bradley Storey

December 9, 1941 – December 27, 2023

Charles was called home to heaven on December 27th, 2023. He was born on December 9th, 1941, in Cumberland, Maine to Doris (Buzzell) and Horace Storey, and lived his entire life in Cumberland. He was one of nine children. He graduated from Greely High School and was the first Storey member to play on a state championship basketball team. After high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, becoming an Officer before finishing in the Coast Guard Reserves in 1969.

A Master Plumber, Charles first apprenticed with AB Rich, and continued to work for Mr. Rich until he started his own thriving plumbing business. He was well-known for his dependability, even responding to emergencies for his customers on Christmas Eve if needed. He was very skilled at his craft and other plumbers could recognize his work from the straight pipes and quality workmanship. He responded to many Cumberland town and school plumbing emergencies for which he never sent a bill. Charles also worked a few years opening and closing the Cumberland Fairgrounds.

Charles was a modest, honest, and incredibly generous man. While plumbing his family member’s homes, he taught his nephews the basics of plumbing so in the future they could make their own repairs. He would say, “Hots on the left, Cold’s on the right. ‘Sewer’ runs downhill, and don’t chew on your fingernails”. He remained always available to hand out expertise even after he lost his eyesight due to his illness.

Charles married his first wife Beverly in 1967, and they had two children, Terrence “Terry, Tiny” and Margaret, who he loved more than anything. As a family, they enjoyed renting cabins and fishing, and truly valued their family time.

Later, Charles became the proud grandparent to Gage Kakalis and the two made many memories together, including having pizzas and fries at Pat’s Pizza and going out for ice cream. Nearing retirement, Charles made sure he was home to meet Gage off the school bus and the two would hang out together until Margaret got home from work.

Charles enjoyed a simple life. He was a Mason in Casco Lodge #36 and gave of himself whenever he could. He enjoyed the newspaper every day until he lost his eyesight but still stayed up to date on the news. After retirement, he had a new garage built and spent many hours in the spring and summer and would always enjoy family and friends (and even miss Betsy) dropping by to have a chat or have a cold beverage with him. Fiercely independent until death, despite blindness and mobility issues, he never asked anyone for anything, nor did he complain. He never lost his sense of humor and remained “a rock” to those who loved him until the very end.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Paula, and his daughter Margaret and her husband Teddy “Big Foot”, and grandson Gage “Buckshot”. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Marnie “Ol’ Marn” and her husband Kevin, and stepson Glenn, and his wife Lori and their children. He will be deeply missed by sisters Arlene “Pat” (Frank) Patrizio, Eleanor Randall (David Gordon “Rockman”), and Diane (Dick) Crocker, brothers Robert “who is the new Sheriff in town” (Linda) Storey, Phil (Linda) Storey, and sisters-in law Carol and Pat, as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife Beverly (of 30 years), an infant daughter, his son Terry, and his brothers Harland and Donn as well as his sister Grace DeCarvalho.

Charles asked that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Storey Family Scholarship, c/o 28 Shriley Lane, Cumberland, ME 04021.