Charles W. Lowe Sr.

Surrounded by all his loved ones, Charles Walter Lowe Sr peacefully went to sleep on May 27, 2020 and woke up in the arms Jesus.

He was born on August 7, 1927 in Leominster, MA to John and Florence Lowe.   He grew up in Leominster and was a graduate of Leominster High School.  Charlie served in the US Navy from 1945 – 1947 during World War II as a Boatswain Mate Third Class.  Some of his responsibilities were maintenance of the ship and supervising shipmates.

On August 20, 1952 he became a permanent fire fighter on the Leominster Fire Department.

On March 31, 1957, Charlie, along with other firefighters, rescued a child and mother from “certain death” and was recognized by Chief Frederick W. Johnson in his Annual Report of 1957.

Charlie served as the Vice – President and later President of the Leominster Fire Fighters Relief Association.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on March 27, 1973 and was assigned to Engine 2 until his retirement on December 29, 1981.

In 1948 Charlie laid eyes on Alice Cote’ for the first time, on a merry-ground at Whalom Park.  She was a little too young for him at the time.  Two years later he was a mail carrier and Alice worked in a candy and nut store.  Upon Charlie delivering mail there, she placed a warm bag of cashews in his mailbag and the two became one on February 14, 1953.

They celebrated 67 years of marriage and had 5 children; Charles W. Lowe Jr (deceased in 2008) married to Vickie (Mckenney) Lowe, Mark Lowe, married to Megan (Rosalez) Lowe, Cathy Russell, Deanne Lowe and Alison Smith, married to Gary Smith.  He was blessed with many grandchildren and great grand children.  He is pre-deceased by his brother John Lowe Jr., survived by his sister Marcia Schutt and his wife Alice (Cote’) Lowe.

In 1983 Charlie and his wife Alice moved to Newbury Park California for their retirement years.

Charlie’s first priority was always his family and he never failed to provide for the needs of his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His needs always came second. 

Charlie made friends wherever he would go; all who had the opportunity to know him loved him.  He leaves behind many wonderful stories and memories made with all of us and a legacy of strength, compassion and courage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Lt. Charles W. Lowe Sr to a Firefighters Fund of your choice.

We will continue to celebrate him with every story told and remembered.

***The family will plan a celebration of life gathering at a future date.