APPLETON – Charles Austin Woodman, 86, died Nov. 12, 2010, at his home in North Appleton. He was born June 14, 1924, in Malden, Mass. During World War II, he served in the 104th Infantry Division as a rifleman in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, and was wounded late in the war, receiving a Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantry Medal. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Education degree from Northeastern University and a doctorate from Boston University. He worked for General Electric Co., taught physics at Wakefield High School and became director of science for Braintree (Mass.) public schools. Retiring in 1984, he moved to Appleton, grew Christmas trees and became known in the area for his Maine-grown hardy rhododendrons. He became Adult Education director in Camden, retiring in 1997. He served the town of Appleton in the volunteer fire department, Conservation Commission, library committee, planning board and budget committee. He was a member of Paul Revere Masonic Lodge, Brockton, Mass.; Anah Shrine Temple, Bangor; Mid-Coast and Waldo County Shrine Clubs; and served as master of Paul Dean Lodge, North Easton, Mass. He was an active outdoorsman, enjoying downhill and cross-country skiing, and tennis, which he played through his 60s. An avid sailor, he cruised the coast of Maine in his sloop, Naiad, with his family during the 1960s and 1970s. He climbed Mount Katahdin several times and Mount Rainier at age 57. He is survived by his former wife, Jean Woodman of Meredith, N.H.; a daughter, Betty Woodman of Roswell, Ga.; a son, Roger Woodman of Meredith, N.H.; grandchildren, Ryan Kohlsdorf, Leah Woodman and Gracia Woodman; numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Online condolences may be offered at www.ripostafh.com.
CHARLES AUSTIN WOODMAN
