Charles J. Garrett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Would you like to help advance the education of students pursuing studies in math, science, or engineering?

Please help us establish a scholarship in Charles J. Garrett, Jr.'s name, to be locally awarded in Marblehead. We are his family. His children attended Marblehead schools. We know how hard he worked for us and the community in his various roles.

Charles J. Garrett, Jr. demonstrated commitment, dedication, and perseverance through his many endeavors and contributions – as engineer,  business executive, husband, father, son, friend, and youth sports coach – before his death on March 8, 2021, at age 64.  His quiet disposition endured despite progressing cognitive and physical challenges over several years. His kindness and smile are greatly missed.

Chuck, as he was called, was born in Montclair, New Jersey, and raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey, before  moving to Sussex, New Jersey midway through high school. A graduate of High Point Regional High School, he was a National Honor Society member, varsity soccer team captain, and school musical cast member.

Chuck was first in his family to attend college, attending the University of New Hampshire, majoring in engineering, as a freshman. His savings depleted, Chuck then attended New Jersey Institute of Technology, combining grants with work on weekends, vacations, and summers to pay its costs, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering degree. Months before graduation, Chuck launched his professional career, accepting an offer that influenced the rest of his life – a position with General Electric Company’s (GE) two-year manufacturing management program – and began immediately after graduation.

Beginning in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chuck successfully completed GE’s two-year program with a final six-month assignment at its campus in Lynn, Massachusetts. A full-fledged GE employee, he remained in Lynn, working in its Medium Steam Turbine Department and later, in its Aircraft Engine Division, fulfilling purchasing and contract administration roles. Over 13 years, Chuck attained promotions, completed advanced training, and received awards for his dedication and work. While employed by GE, he also earned a Master in Business Administration degree, magna cum laude, from Suffolk University, attending classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

When GE relocated his department to Ohio, Chuck opted to remain in Massachusetts, where he had purchased his first house after just a couple years working in Lynn. By then, he had established deep and lifelong friendships with coworkers through softball, soccer, volleyball, skiing, and other activities. It is an understatement to describe them only as friends; they became his extended family.

Chuck soon began working for B-C-D Metal Products, Inc., Malden, Massachusetts, and proudly served as its Vice President of Operations for more than 22 years before his declining health contributed to his departure. Chuck then dedicated his work efforts as Purchasing Manager, Essex Engineering, Inc., Lynn, Massachusetts, for 15 months before his progressing illness again led to his departure. Work was integral for Chuck; he continued to work part-time at Home Depot until forced to retire due to his health.

Beyond work, Chuck loved coaching youth sports, including baseball and soccer. He coached Marblehead Youth Soccer teams, from under-10 through under-16 age groups, fall and spring seasons, even coaching more than one team per season sometimes. He served as an assistant coach for Massachusetts Youth Soccer’s District Select Program for several summers as well. In addition, he led multiple Marblehead Youth Baseball spring teams as manager and assistant manager.

A Marblehead resident for 23 years, Chuck encouraged his wife, Karen, with whom he shared almost 27 years, in her pursuits as attorney and educator, and everything else that interested her. Chuck was most proud to be the father of his sons, Jack and Tom, as they are called.

Chuck relaxed by playing golf and volleyball, watching sports on television, solving Sudoku puzzles, attending concerts with Karen, and spending time with friends and family. Wednesday nights were reserved for volleyball followed by pizza with friends – except when he ran soccer practice instead. A passionate New York Mets and New York Football Giants fan, Chuck rarely missed watching their games.

For purposes of establishing a named scholarship in Chuck’s memory:

1) Tax deductible donations may be made online through the GoFundMe "donate" link on this web page.

GoFundMe will forward donations made toward the Charles J. Garrett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund to Marblehead Youth Soccer Association (via PayPal Giving Fund) .

2) Alternatively, tax deductible donations may be made by mail to:

Marblehead Youth Soccer Association
℅ Charles J. Garrett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
2 Arthur Avenue
Marblehead, MA 01945

If making a donation by check, please make the check payable to Marblehead Youth Soccer Association, and include a note with the designation, Charles J. Garrett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, so that it is properly credited.

Chuck’s commitment, dedication, and perseverance will be perpetuated through the creation of this scholarship and honored through its ensuing award to former Marblehead Youth Soccer Association players as graduating seniors, with at least a 3.0 grade point average, pursuing studies at four-year colleges or universities in the fields of math, science, or engineering.

Chuck’s family, Karen, Jack, and Tom, appreciates and thanks everyone whose generosity helps to create this scholarship.

Obituary:

https://bostoncremation.org/obituary/charles-j-garrett-jr