Charles Aaron Schrawder

Charles Aaron Schrawder (Chuck), 87, passed away at Heywood Hospital on June 24, 2026. Chuck was born on January 19, 1939, to Norman and Kathryn Schrawder of Watsontown, PA. He learned at a young age the meaning of hard work, growing up on a farm that lacked both running water and electricity. His family owned 14 cows and grew the majority of what they lived on.

Chuck’s patriotism started early; at age 16, he enlisted in the National Guard in Danville, PA. Nine months into his enlistment, he received draft orders to join the army. Feeling a larger desire to serve in the Marines, he quickly enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he worked in Squadron Headquarters located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was only a short period, but the brotherhood he felt with his fellow Marines remained a vital connection throughout his life. It was there that Chuck’s first wife became pregnant, and a short time later, Clayton was born at the Tripler Army Hospital on February 6, 1960. In August 1960, marking the end of three years in the Marine Corps, the family moved home to Berwick, PA.

The couple mutually decided to end their marriage before Chuck left Pennsylvania for work in Gardner, Massachusetts, as a truck driver. He soon started working part-time for a friend who introduced him to his girlfriend’s sister, Carol Vaine. They hit it off almost immediately, got married on September 1, 1962, after a short courtship, then moved to Winchendon, Massachusetts, before Carol gave birth to their daughter, Marla Jean Schrawder, on November 2, 1964. During this time, Chuck joined the Winchendon Police Department as a Parole Officer. Their young family grew by one three years later when Brent Aaron Schrawder was born on May 3, 1967. After eight years with the Winchendon Police Department, two additional years with the Keene Police Department, and then two years with the Baldwinville Police Department, Chuck retired from the police service after two years serving as both Sargent and acting Police Chief of the Baldwinville Police Department. Their family was completed when Ryan C. Schrawder was born on October 9, 1976. Chuck worked as a cross-country truck driver, a paper maker at Baldwinville Products, and as a customer service person at Pelliteires until his retirement at 62.

Chuck had many passions throughout his life, from single-handedly remodeling his entire house in Baldwinville, MA, to enjoying his spare time hunting, target shooting, archery, throwing darts, shooting pool, and, for a short time, riding motorcycles. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Winchendon, American Legion in multiple towns, and the Otter River Sportsman’s Club, where he spent several years on the Board of Directors and two years as their President.

Chuck joins his parents, Norman and Kathryn Schrawder, brother Harold Schrawder, wife Carol Schrawder, daughter Marla Whittle, son Ryan Schrawder, and son-in-law Scott Whittle. 

He is survived by sister-in-law Barbara of Pennsylvania; two sons: Brent Schrawder and wife Elisha of Leominster; Clayton Shaffer and wife Julie of Colorado; three grandsons: Bryce Schrawder, Cameron Whittle with wife Veronica, and Conner Whittle; two granddaughters, Breanna and Sabrina; and great granddaughter Lucy.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11 AM at Greenlawn Cemetery, Bridge Street, Templeton.

Family and friends are invited to join us at a celebration of life for Chuck at Otter River Sportsman's Club, 250 Lord Rd., Baldwinville, MA immediately follow the graveside service. Food and drink will be provided by Cafe Catering. 

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, is directing arrangements.