Retired college dean who served during Berlin Airlift

STONEHAM — Charles C. Ehl, a resident of Stoneham, formerly of Reading and East Dennis, passed away on July 15, 2021 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 85 years of age.

Charles was born in Melrose on October 22, 1935, the son of the late Charles and Josephine (Connors) Ehl. Charles received his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, his master’s degree from Boston University and his Ph.D. from Boston College. He was the Associate Dean at Bentley College, Dean at Framingham State University, Dean at New Hampshire College and Dean at Stonehill College.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed working in his yard tending to his bountiful vegetable garden, thick lawn and hydrangeas. While on the Cape he became an avid reader of history. Charles proudly served in the Air National Guard and was called to active duty during the Berlin airlift.

Charles was the beloved husband of Irene M. (Nikolskis) Ehl. He was the devoted father of Charles S. Ehl and his wife Janet of Reading; David C. Ehl and his wife Alyssa of Hooksett, N.H.; and Peter J. Ehl and his wife Emily of Winchester. He was also the cherished bother of Brenda L. Gavin and her husband Joseph of North Reading. He was the loving grandfather of eight.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 23 at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles’ memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 114 Perimeter Rd. Unit G&H, Nashua NH 03063. For directions and online guest book please visit www.johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com.