Charles “Charlie” Stephen McCrave, Jr., of East Andover, NH, died in Concord, NH, on November 4, 2023, at the age of 88. Charlie was born on July 7, 1935, in Providence, RI, to Charles Stephen McCrave, Sr., and Margaret (Conlon) McCrave. Upon graduating from La Salle Academy in Providence, RI, he went to work at Verizon (formerly New England Telephone) where he had an accomplished career of 40 years in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He moved to East Andover, NH, upon his retirement in 1992.

Charlie was well read, had a keen intellect and could easily converse with anyone on any topic, especially history and current events. He was a familiar presence in the Andover Public Library, where he enjoyed visits with then-librarian, Priscilla. He was a former president of the Andover Historical Society, and a long-standing member of the School Board, the Zoning Board, and the Budget Committee. His friends and colleagues knew him as fair and open-minded, remaining calmy objective and setting a good tone.

His grandchildren will remember him for his corny jokes and for making them laugh. His quick wit kept friends and family laughing in his inimitable way. It was not unusual to see Charlie in the kitchen donning an apron preparing and serving brunch to a large gathering of friends, neighbors, and family. His proficiency in home building and renovation projects was evident in the three homes he built or renovated after moving to East Andover. He freely lent a helping hand with others’ projects or to offer sage advice. In his leisure time, he enjoyed observing bluebirds in his yards and building bluebird boxes for his neighbors, friends and family to enjoy. He loved his dogs, and Conlon and Hitchie were equally devoted to him.

He is predeceased by his daughter Barbara McCrave of Newport, RI; his brother James McCrave of Walbridge, OH; and his grandson Ross Oparowski of Elkins, NH. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Lou (Miller) McCrave of East Andover; his daughter Elizabeth McCrave and her husband Ted Oparowski of Elkins, NH; his son Charles K. McCrave and his wife Cally of Lyme, NH; his brother, Bill of Naples, FL; three grandchildren, Ben McCrave, Ellie McCrave, and Ted Oparowski; and his step-son Chris Michaud and his partner Rachel Reed of Richmond, VA, and their children Parker and Adelyn Michaud.

Chadwick Funeral Home in New London, NH, is handling arrangements. There will be a private memorial gathering at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Charles S. McCrave, Jr., may be made to the American Heart Association or the Andover NH Public Library.