Charles "Chuck" Hurst

Charles Preston Hurst, of Dedham, passed away peacefully in his home on January 2nd, 2020.  He was 76 years old.

Charles, known to all as Chuck, was the loving husband of Linda Hurst for 43 years.  Beloved father of Valerie Preisz and her husband William of Portland, Oregon, and Gregory Hurst and his wife Violet of Providence, Rhode Island. He was also a doting “Papa Chuck” to Olivia Preisz, Bethany Preisz, and Ivy Hurst.  He leaves behind his sister Marilyn and her husband Denis Harvey Hassan, of Plymouth, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Boston, Chuck was a graduate of Hyde Park High School.  He later enlisted in the U.S Air Force during the Vietnam era, serving from 1964 to 1968.  During those years, he completed medical training in Greenville, Mississippi, and served at Westover Air Force Base in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dreux Air Force Base in France, Hahn Air Force Base in Germany, and Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas.

After his service, Chuck attended Suffolk University on the G.I. Bill.  He went to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for more than 35 years in the Department of Unemployment and Training and 10 years with the Federal Census Bureau.  Charles loved the city of Boston and enjoyed riding the subway and commuter rail from home to office and back each day.  He would often go for walks around Government Center on his lunch breaks.  He enjoyed volunteering, and at one point served as President of the Dedham Education Foundation.  He was honored for his time with the foundation in 2017.

In 2009, Chuck was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  He bravely fought the illness for more than 10 years, something only 10% of ALS patients achieve.  Linda took on the role of caregiver for the entirety of his illness.  His family is grateful for the time God granted Chuck after his diagnosis.

Chuck's Funeral will be from the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home, 8 Spring St. (at the corner of Centre St.) WEST ROXBURY, Tuesday at 9 a.m. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Dedham at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held Monday 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chuck's memory may be made to ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, 685 Canton St. Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062.

Chuck will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery in West Roxbury.

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