Charles E. Humphreys

Charles E. “Charlie” Humphreys, 69, of Chester Springs, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 21, 2021.  He was the husband of Jean Humphreys.

Born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on May 16, 1952, he was the son of the late John and Marie Humphreys.  Charlie graduated from Fairhaven High School and went on to receive his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Naval Academy.  He completed Navy Nuclear Power training and joined the submarine service.  Following active duty, he received an MBA in finance from Drexel University.  After 30 years of active and reserve service, Charlie retired as a Captain.

As a senior executive and CEO, Charlie travelled the world running domestic and international manufacturing companies in the United States, Canada, the UK, Thailand, Chile and Saudi Arabia.

Always the adventurer, Charlie continued to explore an active life after retirement.  Growing up in Massachusetts, he spent many happy years hiking with his dad in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  His love of the mountains and the outdoors instilled in him his desire to give back as a volunteer with the Appalachian Mountain Club, qualifying as a Volunteer Ranger and Alpine Steward.  Many weeks of the year were spent volunteering in the hut system and hiking the trails surrounding Mt. Washington.  Most memorable for him was volunteering at the Mt. Washington Observatory, a non-profit scientific weather station atop the highest peak in the northeastern U.S. Weather conditions at the Observatory are brutal and erratic.  Tethered to a pole on the roof of the Observatory in 30 ͦ below blizzard conditions, Charlie waved into the live webcam to friends at home.

In addition, Charlie gave back to the community. He was an elected Township Supervisor serving as Chair of the Board for four years and dedicating his time and talent to the betterment of his community. An avid American history buff, Charlie volunteered at the National Constitution Center.  His appreciation for the value of open space and the land led him to join the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Quaker City Farmers, and the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture where he served as Treasurer.

But Charlie’s greatest passion was stewarding his own farm and historic property in Chester County.  Hands on, he dedicated himself to preserving the integrity and beauty of the land and home he loved.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a brother Jack Humphreys, husband of Sandy, of Florida, two wonderful English Mastiffs Kobe and Jack, two cats Ben and Jerry, and three horses Henry, Baron and Latte.

Services will be held in the spring at Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402 or to the Mount Washington Observatory PO Box 2310, North Conway, NH 03860.

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