Charles Dyer Jr.
Waterford — Charles E. Dyer Jr., 88 years young, of Waterford, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was born on March 26, 1930, to Adelaide (MacDonald) and Dr. Charles Dyer in New London.
He attended Harbor School and the Bulkeley School, graduating in 1948. He continued his education at Brown University, earning a bachelor’s degree before serving honorably in the U.S. Army. He relied on the GI Bill to attend the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. He was the proprietor of Dyer’s Pharmacy, of Jefferson Avenue in New London, for nearly 50 years, before retiring in 1998. He loved running the pharmacy, where he developed lifelong friendships including many of his devoted co-workers and customers. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, golfing trips, rooting for the Boston Red Sox and the UConn Huskies. He was a devoted father and grandpa (PaPa) who cherished spending time with his family, including trips to Mount Washington Hotel. Charlie had wonderful lifelong friends and loved monthly dinners at the Italian Club and his membership at the New London Country Club. He was fondly known as “Doc” and the “Dancing Bear,” and he enjoyed his Bulkeley School reunions with the Bulkeley Boys.
He leaves behind his loving daughter Jennifer and her husband Rob Townsend, a son, Scott Anzalone, his granddaughter Adelaide, who brought tremendous joy to his life, and loving companion Elin Schoonmaker and her loving children and grandchildren who loved grandpa Charlie.
His family wishes to thank his team of caregivers, Rose, Dr. Yoselevsky and Vitas Hospice. His family was blessed to have a true giant of a gentleman who was loved and admired by all who knew him. We will miss his joke telling and colorful stories, especially when he visited his favorite eateries, the Shack, Par-4, Tony D’s and Filomena’s.
Donations can be made to the Community Foundation c/o Bulkeley School Scholarship.
Raise a glass, preferably a Manhattan, and toast this New London Legend.
Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. The funeral service celebrating Charlie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.
To send the family an online condolence, or for further service information, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com.