Charles A. Wilkinson

Charles Wilkinson passed away peacefully at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice in Providence on May 9, 2025. Born in Cranston on May 15, 1936, he was the son of Charles and Christina Wilkinson. He was a graduate of Coventry High School class of 1953 where he met and married Winifred Hopkins of Foster who passed in 2001. They are survived by Deborah Audette and her husband, Daniel, and Brian and his wife, Tanya, Wilkinson. He later married Ellen Kennedy Haynes and is survived by step-children, Evan Haynes and his wife, Hope, and Owen Haynes, and his wife, Dawn. He is also survived by grandchildren, Angela Pare, Zachery Wilkinson and his wife, Katie, Michael Audette, Christopher Audette, and Jennifer Audette Hensinger and her husband, Patrick Hensinger. Step grandchildren are Andrew, Charles, Alicia, Kelsey Haynes, Daniel Taft and William Taft. He also enjoyed his great-grandchildren Dylan, Tatum, and Gwen. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas and his wife, Lucy, and was pre-deceased by his brother, Kenneth. He leaves many nieces and nephews who he greatly enjoyed.

Charlie’s working career started as a lace weaver at Ronnie’s Lace Mill in Coventry. He later became a computer technician at Digital Equipment. He was a 32nd degree mason and twice a past master of the Ionic Lodge in Greene, RI. He also was a member of the Coventry-West Greenwich Elks. He was a lifelong musician. In recent years he played the piano at Sunday services at Moosup Valley Church in Foster and the Rice City Church in Coventry mastering many hymns. He is the recipient of the Partner in Faith award from the Rhode Island State Council of Churches. He was a retired member of the Rhode Island National Guard and the Massachusetts National Guard.

Visiting hours are 10 am to 12 noon on June 7, 2025, at Gorton-Menard Funeral Home, 721 Washington Street, Coventry, RI with a service to follow at 12 noon. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, or Moosup Valley Church, in care of Patricia Safstrom, 76 Moosup Valley Road, Foster, RI 02825

For online condolences please visit www.gortonmenardfuneralhome.com