Charles E.

McNamara Sr.

Charles E. McNamara, Sr., 94, a longtime resident of Lowell, MA, born on March 29, 1932, passed away peacefully at his home in Nashua, NH, on November 5, 2026. He was the son of the late Joseph F. and Anna (Ecklund) McNamara of Lowell.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen McNamara (Dracut), and three sons, Charles, Jr., and his wife, Laura (Lowell); John and his wife, Kathryn (Hudson, NH); and Patrick (Dracut). He also leaves behind two grandsons, Andrew “AJ” McNamara and his husband, Tom Boyle (Denver, CO), and Kyson Baker-Giera (Hudson, NH); his sister, Doris Decelle (Bellevue, WA); eight nieces and nephews; and four cousins. Though not related by blood, Alex & Veronica Calancha (Centreville, VA) were cherished as grandchildren and loved as family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Mary Eileen; his brothers, Francis (Ruth) and James (Virginia); his former wife, Alice (Dys) McNamara; and his brother-in-law, Roland Decelle.

Charlie had humble beginnings as a shuttle boy at the Billerica Mills, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. Shortly after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country and defended its freedoms. He was assigned to the Heavy Cruiser USS Salem CA-139 and served during the Korean War. He was especially proud to be a plank owner, having been an original member of the ship's crew.

Charlie spent four years at sea, sailing to many foreign ports, where he also served on Shore Patrol. He worked in the ship's engine room, an experience that inspired him to return to Lowell Technological Institute after his discharge. Attending evening classes, he earned his Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1961.

Soon afterward, he founded his own precision sheet metal shop on Tanner Street in Lowell, and IDEAS, Inc. was born. Today, it continues as a thriving business, one that all four of his children have been fortunate to learn the trade and help carry on its success. Charlie was a classic workaholic. Retirement was never part of his plan, and he continued working in the shop right up until the day he passed.

He remained actively involved with the USS Salem throughout his life and attended many Cruiser Sailors Association reunions held throughout the eastern half of the country. When the USS Salem was retired and placed in dry dock in Quincy, MA, Charlie joined the crew of volunteers who spent countless hours renovating the ship. Their efforts transformed it into a Navy showcase and museum, which opened to the public for tours and to promote Navy recruitment.

Charlie was a man of many talents, truly one of a kind. He was hardworking, resourceful, adventurous, and always on the go. He could solve just about any problem. He had a zest for learning new things and keeping his mind sharp and his hands busy. Following a serious accident involving a family member, Charlie traveled to Arizona to study the art of Myotherapy under Bonnie Prudden. He became a Certified Myotherapist, and many people benefited from his skill and ability to relieve their pain and suffering.

Charlie had a lifelong appreciation for antique clocks and watches and enjoyed reading. In his later years, he also became a snowbird, enjoying the warmer weather during the winter months.

Charlie will be dearly missed. He was funny, kind, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone he met. He was never without a joke and had a way of bringing a smile to those around him.

Family and friends are invited to attend Charlie's visitation on WEDNESDAY, November 18th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua, NH.

His interment will take place on THURSDAY, November 19th, at 3:00 p.m. at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the USS Salem Ship Building Museum, 549 South Street, Pier 3, Quincy, MA 02169; the American Heart Association; the National Association of the Deaf; or a charity of your choice.