Charles F. Dortch

Charles Franklin Dortch was born on April 28,1942 in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the son of the late Thomas Franklin Dortch and Isabelle Marie Smith.

Charles, affectionately known as Charlie, graduated in the First Class of 1960 from Rhode Island Vocational Technical High School in Providence, Rhode Island. As a young man, Charlie was a boy scout and performed services to others in the community through the United States Junior Chamber “Jaycees”.

Charlie accepted Christ into his life at a young age. He attended church regularly with his mother, Isabelle, who was a lifelong member of Pleasant Street Baptist Church in Westerly, Rhode Island and he remained a member for many years.

Cooking, Fishing, and jazz music were his greatest hobbies. He loved to cook for his family. His famous dishes were chili and clam chowder. He was a devoted father, fiancé and friend, who loved to laugh and make others laugh. Not only was his humor his staple, so was the love for his family. While in business, he spent time with others teaching them the trade as a body man. He served as a mentor to many young men.

Charlie served in the US Army Reserves for 6 years. In 1970, he decided to become an entrepreneur, he opened his business, famously known as Charlie’s Auto Body Shop, located on 25 Canal Street in Westerly, where it remained a thriving business for 30 years. Charlie was highly thought of and well respected. He was hardworking, had a great work ethic, and was an extraordinary businessman. His list of friends could run miles.

On September 16, 2022, Charlie was called home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Franklin Dortch and Isabelle Marie Dortch, daughter, wife, Sarah Elizabeth Gardiner Dortch, daughter, Michelle Renee Dortch, grandson, Isaiah Mason Green and beloved sister Perthenia Jones (found later in life)
Left to cherish his memory,his fiancée Madlin Algiere of 18 years his children Torya Lynne Dortch, Lorrayne Michelle Thomas, (Children of Heather Gonsalves), Thomas Franklin Dortch, Angela Marie Green (Children of Alberta B Williams) and Lindsay Faith Gardiner-Dortch; thirteen grandchildren, Nicole, Monique, Taj, Najhae, Rajiv, Cheyenne, Chelah (Kiva), Charles, Ayja, Sierra, Kyla, Keiarah and Aria; fifteen great grandchildren; Ariel, Daigeonna, Seth, Apache, Amir, Alaysia, Jadiel, Nyarah, Devon, Ayamarelis, Janai, Kori, Thomas, Ezekiel and KaLeigha; and an extended family which he held near and dear to his heart; Jennifer O’Keefe, Sarah O’Keefe, Jacob O’Keefe and Thomas O’Keefe.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Processional
Invocation
Musical Selection
Scripture
Old Testament – Isaiah 41:10
New Testament    - John 15:5; Luke 1:78-79

Prayer of Comfort   

Musical Selection      
   Silent Reading of the Obituary

Moments of Reflection
Angela Green   , Daughter
Thomas Dortch, Son

Musical Selection
Eulogy – Pastor Mallory Davis

Musical Selection      
Benediction      
Recessional

*Interment at River Bend Cemetery

Family and friends are invited to the repast, Calabrese Club, 28 Pleasant Street in Westerly, immediately following the service.

If I should go tomorrow, it would never be goodbye; For I have left my heart with you, so don’t you ever cry; The love that’s deep within me, shall reach you from the stars; You’ll feel it from the heavens, and it will heal the scars


Pallbearers

Thomas F. Dortch
Larry D. Robinson
Charles F. Dortch
Taj Thomas
Najee Thomas
Rajiv Thomas

Honorary Pallbearers

John Adamo
Michael A. Gervasini
Tyler King, Jr.

Acknowledgement

The family of Charles Dortch wishes to express their gratitude to each of you for your acts of kindness, expressions of love, flowers and condolences during his illness and time of bereavement. A special thank you to Dr. Bartel Crisafi, Jr. and the entire staff at Beacon Hospice, North Kingston, RI, for the exceptional care of our beloved.

May God continue to Bless each of you

The Family

Don’t Cry For Me

Don't cry for me.
I will be okay.
Heaven is my home now,
and this is where I'll stay.

Don't cry for me.
I'm where I belong.
I want you to be happy
and try to stay strong.

Don't cry for me.
It was just my time,
but I will see you someday
on the other side.

Don't cry for me.
I am not alone.
The angels are with me
to welcome me home.

Don't cry for me,
for I have no fear.
All my pain is gone,
and Jesus took my tears.

Don't cry for me.
This is not the end.
I'll be waiting here for you
when we meet again.
 

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