Charles Hurd

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Charles “Charlie” Hurd, who died on Jan. 15, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. after suffering with Dementia for several years. He was born on Nov. 24, 1933, in Waterville to Alden and Dorothea Ivers Hurd.

He attended Waterville schools where he was a star athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball, graduating in 1951. He was in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of athletic teams that traveled and entertained troops. After his discharge he graduated from Thomas College and attended University of Maine. He taught and coached in Mattawamkeag, then went on to obtain a business degree from U of Maine while teaching at Skowhegan High School.

He married Mary Howard Hurd in Millinocket, Aug. 5, 1961 and enjoyed 61 wonderful years together. He and his family moved to Bethel in 1965 where he began a career at Gould Academy. During his time at Gould he wore many hats, teaching, coaching, athletic director, and finally business manager. He accomplished many things but none greater than being part of bringing the ABC (A Better Chance) program to Gould, to give kids in inner cities a chance to explore life in a small town, many who looked upon him and Mary as surrogate parents while away from home.

As basketball coach he achieved his “Impossible Dream” winning two State Championships. He succeeded off the court as well building relationships with his students and athletes many continuing until his death.

They then began a second chapter of their lives as he began life of a car salesman at Best Auto in Saco. Moving to South Portland he sold cars at Maine Mall Motors and eventually moved his way up to general sales manager before their move to Reno, Nev. to be closer to family.

As their third chapter began, he became a poker dealer and enjoyed grandchildren for several years. Retirement and warmer weather beckoned them to St. Petersburg, Fla. where they settled in a wonderful community with great friends for the last 22 years. While there, Charlie’s passion for golf became even greater. He enjoyed playing right up to the very end.

Charlie leaves the love of his life, Mary; his three children, Charles “Chuck” Hurd Jr. of Maine, Wendy Hurd Tyler (Rich) of Nevada, and Scott Hurd of California; five grandchildren, Tylers: Kelsey, Alexander “Alex”, and Mallory, and Hurds: Ates (Atesh) and Alara. In addition, he leaves his sister, Marlene Jabar (Tony) of Waterville, his brother-in-law, Frank Howard (Dorothy) of Millinocket, and brother-in-law, Peter Howard (Vivian) of Bridgton; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his two cousins, Dorothea “Baby Dot” Marchetti and Joseph “Dodo” Marchetti, who were like siblings to him.

There will be a celebration of life on Aug. 5, their 62nd wedding anniversary, in Bethel.

We would like to thank the Veterans’ Administration and their many specialist, especially Dr. Peter Cherian of Bay Pines.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

First Tee Organization in St. Petersburg, Fla., a charity that was close to Charlie’s heart that strives to help disadvantaged youth through the game of golf or:

a dementia charity as a tribute to him