Charles R. Burgess

DRACUT - Charles R. Burgess, 92, a lifelong Dracut resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Estelle M. (Burgess) Burgess, with whom he would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on July 13.
He was born in Dracut, on October 30, 1929, a son of the late Charles F. and Reinoldy P. (Rhomberg) Burgess.
Raised on Burgess Farm and educated in Dracut Schools, following graduation from Dracut High School, he attended college at night studying electrical engineering at Lowell Technical Institute and Harvard University while managing plastic factories in Fitchburg and then later in Nashua. Mr. Burgess entered the military and was deployed by the U.S. Marine Corps into action during the Korean War, honorably discharged in 1953 following 2 years of service. Upon return, he gained employment with M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratories and later with ITEK Corporation. In 1966, Mr. Burgess founded and became President of QEI Incorporated of Bedford, which he directed for the better part of 50 years, specializing in computer software programming, and later technical hardware acquisition and distribution. He was a member of the Eastport, Maine American Legion and the Dracut Senior Center.
A favorite childhood memory of Mr. Burgess was his frequent morning pony rides from his parents' farm down Methuen Street to his Grandfather Rhomberg's farm, abutting the Kenwood Grammar School. He would leave his pony there for morning classes, return for lunch with his grandfather, then head back to school for the afternoon. After dismissal, he would ride back to his home on Kelley Road.
He is remembered by his loved ones as a man who taught the virtues of patience, gratitude and humility by just being himself.
In addition to his wife he leaves 4 sons, Michael "Rye" and his wife Rosalyn of Dracut, Lawrence "Jimmy" and his wife Gail of Davis, California, Alan of Dracut and Eric of Lowell; 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, several nieces and nephews. He also leaves 2 daughters in law, Marsha and Josalyn. He is predeceased by his grandson Alan, and his siblings Francis, Thomas, Pauline Hand, Raymond and Rena.
Relatives and friends are invited to Charlie's visitation on Saturday morning, March 19, from 9 until 10:30 AM in St. Francis Church, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut. His Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private at a later date in the Varnum Cemetery, Dracut. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to: The Dracut Senior Center, 981 Mammoth Road, Dracut, MA 01826.