US Army veteran
NAHANT — Charles M. Koehler, 77 of Nahant, passed away with family by his side after a decade long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Utica, NY, Charlie was the son of the late Clayton J. Koehler and Sarah M. Koehler. He was raised and educated in Melrose attending St Mary’s Grammar School and was a member of the Melrose High School Class of 1965.
An honorably discharged Veteran, Charlie was drafted into the Army serving his country from March 1966 through April 1968 including 13 months in Vietnam. Upon return home, Charlie studied business receiving an Associate’s Degree from North Shore Community College, married and started a family.
After a long career in air freight sales Charlie joined Boston Coach as an Executive Driver. He enjoyed meeting people and took great interest in learning of their heritage. Over the years he received countless Christmas cards from passengers from all over the world.
Charlie was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus in Nahant post #4682 and the Elks Lodge post #1031 in Melrose for many years. He has always had a special spot in his heart for the beach in Nahant where he resided for the last 30 years. Charlie enjoyed golfing with his brothers, fishing with his father in-law and dancing on Saturday nights with the gang. He was an avid bird lover and had a knack for house plants like no other.
Charlie leaves behind his three children: Charles Koehler of Woburn; Michelle Johnson andher husband Brian of Pembroke, NH; and Anne Marie Dewey and her husband Michael of Melrose. Grandfather to Andrea and Ryan Johnson; and Emily, Samantha and Owen Dewey. Dear brother of John Koehler and his wife Maureen of Wakefield; Edward Koehler and his wife Janet of Wakefield; and Irene Buckley and her husband Joseph of Tewksbury. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, November 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Friday, November 15 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nahant. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.
