J Charles "Charlie" Rivers

J  Charles “Charlie” Rivers October 16, 1939 – January 21, 2026 J Charles “Charlie” Rivers, 86, passed away on January 21, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Lois Romeo. Charlie was born on October 16, 1939, to Lilah (Ames) Rivers and Thomas D. Rivers. He grew up in Malden, Massachusetts, with eight siblings. In 1963, Charlie married Lois in a ceremony shared with her sister Gail and Charlie’s brother Bruce. Their marriage was the foundation of a life built on devotion, laughter, and family. Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960 as a pipe fitter aboard the USS General George M. Randall. After his service, he went on to become a successful businessman, owning Lighthouse Manufacturing until his retirement – a source of great pride and accomplishment. A lifelong golfer, Charlie found his greatest joy on the course, especially when golfing alongside his brothers. He was often described by his many friends as “the salt of the Earth”, “one of our favorite people”, and “the nicest guy ever”.

Charlie leaves behind his four children: Louis J. Rivers and his partner Maggie Carswell; Nancy R. Kunz and her husband Rob; James C. Rivers Jr. and his partner Jennifer Smith; and Carol Susi and her husband Lou. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Amanda Rivers; Jacki Costello and her husband Eddie; Brittany Tambeau and her partner Moge Maciel; Mitch Rivers and his fiancée Dottie Mayo; Laura Kunz; Alexia Rivers; Rachel Kunz; and Maceo Susi. Charlie was further blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Keira, Noa, “Little” Charlie, Julian, Matthew, Brooke, and Isabella. Charlie was predeceased by his sister, Dawn Prestone, and his brothers, Thomas D. Rivers Jr. and Robert Rivers. He is survived by his siblings Joan Chuha, Jack Rivers, Bruce Rivers, Vera Rivers, Linda Burdick and cousin Louise Ames.

Funeral services will be held in the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St, Malden on Thursday, January 29th, at 10 AM, with interment to follow in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. 

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 28th, from 4 - 8 PM. 

The family requests donations instead of flowers. Donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring veterans and first responders. Donations may be made at https://t2t.org/.

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