Obituary of Charles Frederick Hurd
March 18, 2024
Charles Frederick Hurd, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on March 18, 2024, at the age of 72.
Born on August 14, 1951, in Glocester, Rhode Island, Charlie, as he was affectionately known, lived a life filled with passion, adventure, and unwavering dedication to his family, career, and community.
Charlie pursued a career in pharmacy and medical homecare equipment sales, utilizing his knowledge and expertise to serve others. He was a proud graduate of Ponaganset High School, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia University, and later obtaining an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology.
Charlie's love story with his wife, Beverly, began in the Columbia "marching" band, where they met on a bus ride to an away football game. It was love at first sight, as Charlie famously declared to his father upon exiting the bus, "I'm going to marry that girl." Together, they built a family and a life in New York City.
An avid sailor, Charlie's passion for the sea shaped much of his adult life. He began his sailing journey under the mentorship of the late and great Tony Esposito aboard "Aurelia." From there, he honed his skills and became a respected member of the sailing community. Charlie's love for the sport was evident to all who knew him, and he shared his knowledge generously, inspiring countless sailors along the way.
Among the lessons learned from Charlie was a memorable instance on the starting line, where he inadvertently taught what not to yell at a leeward boat ("Come and get us"), leaving an indelible mark on those who sailed alongside him. His unique blend of wisdom, humor, and camaraderie endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Charlie's legacy extends far beyond the sailing community. He dedicated countless hours to the City Island Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore and made significant contributions to its growth and success. His commitment to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among fellow sailors was unwavering, leaving an enduring impact on all who crossed his path.
Beyond his sailing endeavors, Charlie was actively involved in the management of his New York City co-op building, demonstrating his commitment to creating thriving communities wherever he went.
Charlie is survived by his loving son, Charles R Hurd, his mother Marjorie, his sister Beverly, and two cherished grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A viewing will be held at Greenwich Village Funeral Home on Friday, March 22nd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A graveside memorial will take place at Acotes Hill Cemetery in Chepachet, Rhode Island, on Saturday, March 23rd, at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the ALS Association (www.als.org) in Charlie's honor, supporting ongoing research and awareness for this cause close to his heart.
