Charles Ashworth

Charles “Charlie” Ashworth, also lovingly known as Grumpy and Papa, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away in his home on July 7th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born to Gertrude Leary and Charles Ashworth on November 18, 1945, Charlie was an avid outdoorsman and family man. 

Charlie’s early years were spent with a core of lifelong friends from North Andover who connected through their love of old race cars, sports, hunting, and finding trouble. A graduate of North Andover High School in 1963, he spent two years at Northern Essex Community College and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts.

‍Professionally, Charlie was a salesman in every way. He started his career at United Shoe in Beverly, Massachusetts and then at Bixby International in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He retired from Janco in Dover, NH. He was the king of the side hustle, even starting his children early, assembling Dr. Scholls inner soles in the basement for 5 cents a box. One summer in his retirement, he even sold corn on the side of the Plum Island Turnpike and was lovingly referred to as the “Corn King.” During his time in sales, he could relate to and have a conversation with anyone he met. If you needed something, he knew who to call. His dedication was evident in the lifelong connections he made. 

‍In 1967, Charlie married Ellen Inch, and they built their first home together in West Newbury, Mass before raising their family in Atkinson and Hampstead, NH. He loved to drag race, but always reminded his family that he sold his favorite race car to buy a living room set for his new wife, leaving his first place finish dream behind. They built a life filled with love and family, as there was no greater joy for him than a good Sunday dinner with family. As his children were growing up in Hampstead, Charlie loved coaching his boys on the baseball field, often practicing and throwing balls in the yard. He was involved in Hampstead Civic Club and many town athletic teams. 

Charlie's legacy is also carried on by his adored children: son Charles Ashworth and his wife Dawn of Atkinson, son Peter Ashworth and his wife Karen of Atkinson, and daughter Amy Rosenberg and her husband Matt of Wells, Maine. His greatest blessings were his grandchildren: Eric, Kai, Max and Kyle. Each of them will remember their grandfather for his never-ending stories and attention, whether he was fishing at Plum Island, cheering from the sidelines at their games, or sharing his love of old Westerns and politics. 

‍An avid outdoorsman, Charlie’s favorite place was his cottage on Plum Island, where he spent every summer for more than 75 years. He loved everything about the island and telling stories of how it changed over the years. His favorite spot was in the shade on the front porch with a cigar and the view of the Basin. Even after 75 years, he always made his family watch the sunset over the Merrimack River because he believed there was no prettier sunset in the world. 

Predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard, Charlie's memory is kept alive by his loving wife Ellen, his children, and his cherished grandchildren‍. Charlie will be buried at the Atkinson Cemetery, and in the ocean that he loved the most. Services will be private.