Charles F. Messier

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles F. Messier, 87, of Westport, Massachusetts, who died peacefully at home on June 23, 2025, with his loving family and devoted wife of 63 years, Pauline, by his side.

Born in Fall River, MA, Charles was the son of the late Registry Inspector Arthur Messier and Charlotte (Rasmussen) Messier. A man of great intellect and curiosity, Charles pursued a lifelong passion for learning. He graduated from Monsignor Coyle High School and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, later earning a master’s degree from Bridgewater State University. He also completed advanced graduate studies at Eastern Nazarene College and Florida State University.

Charles's life was a testament to dedication and service. His unwavering commitment to education was demonstrated through his many years of teaching mathematics in the New Bedford School System and serving on the Westport School Committee. His civic involvement extended to roles on the Fall River Community Service Board and the Diman Regional Advisory Board. Charles's entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his founding and operation of Westport Water Slide and Dunkin’ Donuts in Kingston, MA. His skills as a licensed contractor led to the construction of numerous residential homes and rental properties. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us all.

Charles was not only a man of service but also a man of passion. He was honored to have served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division. His lifelong love for boating and skiing was a testament to his adventurous spirit. As a proud member of the Westport Yacht Club for over 75 years, he served as chair of the House Committee for several years. His love for the water and the slopes was matched only by his faith. A devoted Catholic, he taught CCD and served on the Building Committee at Our Lady of Grace Church.

Despite his many accomplishments, Charles will be most fondly remembered for his warmth, kindness, and witty sense of humor. His gentle nature and generosity endeared him to all who knew him, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. A skilled craftsman, he designed and helped build his children’s first homes—just one example of the many ways he gave of himself. Charles also had a remarkable talent for playing the piano by ear. Family gatherings often found him seated at the baby grand, joyfully showing his grandchildren how to “tickle the ivories.” During the holidays, his music filled the home with festive cheer, creating beloved traditions that will live on in memory. Above all, Charles was selflessly devoted to his family. His love for his wife, Pauline; his son, Christopher Messier and his wife Sheila; his daughter, Pamela Duquette and her husband Thomas; his grandchildren, Bethany Messier, Michael Messier, Silas Duquette, and Julia Duquette; his great-grandson, Nathanael Messier; and his late grandson, Marc Messier, was unwavering. Charles was also the brother of Warren Messier and the late Arthur Messier.

Charles will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Saint John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road, Westport, MA. Interment will take place at a later date, at the family's convenience.

In place of flowers, donations in Charles’s memory may be made to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.