BUXTON – Charles Frederick Thurber III, M.D., passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home in Buxton, Maine, on Feb. 16, 2021, in the arms of his loving wife, Marilyn Mae. Chuck led a full and exemplary life of generous service to family, community, country and God.
Chuck was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 3, 1939, to Walter and Evelyn Thurber. Chuck attended Colgate University in Rustic Hamilton, N.Y., where he majored in PreMed with a minor in Philosophy, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors. Chuck went onto Cornel Medical School, graduating in 1965 with his degree in medicine. His OB/GYN medical residency was conducted in Kansas City, Kansas, that same year. Chuck married during his years on residency and had two sons, Chris and Byron.
In July of 1969, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a lieutenant commander. During his military career, he received numerous honors and awards which included the National Defense Service Medal.
After deciding to switch medical specialties, Chuck completed his residency in Internal Medicine in 1972 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, and soon began his private practice in Scarborough. After practicing within the Portland area for many years, Chuck answered the charitable call of duty with a series of medical mission assignments throughout his lifetime.
After some life changes, Chuck met the “love of his life”, Marilyn Mae in 1984, while she was actively working in her nursing career, subsequently marrying in 1994. Chuck and Marilyn moved to Charlottesville, Va., where he attended the University of Virginia, graduating with a master’s degree in Philosophy, Biomedical Ethics and Religious Studies while Marilyn continued her nursing career.
Chuck and Marilyn returned to Southern Maine in 2005 for their retirement years. During that time they became active participants in their church and church family with Chuck serving as the Buxton Centre Baptist Church Trustee Chairman, volunteering in the kitchen for regular church dinners, and various community agencies, including but not limited to Vet-to-Vet, Beacon Hospice of Portland and Samaritan’s Purse. He will be remembered as someone that always expressed love and charitable actions.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marilyn Mae; his son, Christopher and daughter-in-law Simonida of Exeter, N.H.; his son, Byron and daughter-in-law Ana of San Francisco, Calif.; his step-son, Jacob of Portland; four grandchildren, Danilo, Alicia Isabel and Sava; his brother, Robert and sister-in-law, Kathy of Fayetteville, N.Y.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24, for the public from 12-2 p.m., at the Buxton Centre Baptist Church, 938 Long Plains Road in Buxton. Due to COVID capacity restrictions, a private family service will follow at the church at 2 p.m. Please be mindful of COVID restrictions and mask wearing.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, http://www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Buxton Centre
Baptist Church
938 Long Plains Road
Buxton, ME 04093
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