Dr. Charles "Charlie" Edwin Brown, 84, of Ashland, NH, passed away at his home on February 13, 2025. Born on May 16, 1940, in Wolfeboro, NH, Charles was the beloved son of the late Harold F. and Ethelyn M. Brown.

A brilliant student, Charles graduated from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH. He continued his academic journey by earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire, followed by a Doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1969.

In 1970, Charles joined Plymouth State University as the supervisor of the newly established computer center and was one of the founders of the Computer Science Department. A devoted professor, he was immensely passionate about his work, introducing over 7,000 students to computer technology. He spent countless hours inside and outside the classroom, ensuring his students received the highest quality education. After 43 years of loyal and dedicated service at Plymouth State University, he retired in 2013 with the title Professor Emeritus.

Charles will always be remembered for his gentle, kind, and generous demeanor. He had a remarkable ability to bring a smile to everyone he met and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His fervent passion for education led him to create two endowed scholarships at Plymouth State University. In March 2025, Charles was posthumously awarded the Bonnie Breen-Wagner ’72, ’74G Employee Philanthropy Award at Plymouth State, a prestigious recognition of his inspiring benevolence.

Additionally, he enthusiastically supported several charitable causes at local and national levels. A loyal member and former deacon of the First Baptist Church in Wolfeboro, he also attended services with his family at the former St. Agnes Catholic Church in Ashland. A man of great faith in God, Charles dedicated his life to helping others—in the classroom, for his family, and within his community. His kind-hearted legacy will endure for generations to come.

Charles' joyful spirit is carried on by his sister, Dr. Joyce Brown of Worcester, MA; his daughter, Chantelle Friedman, his son-in-law, Jonathan, and his grandson, Adam, all of Yorktown, VA. After 20 beautiful years of marriage, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elaine (Vaillant) Brown, who passed in 1997.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00am at Dupuis Funeral Home, 11 Hill Avenue, Ashland. Burial will follow in Green Grove Cemetery, also in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church in Wolfeboro, or the Charles E. Brown Endowed Scholarship Fund at Plymouth State University