Hudson – Charles Precourt passed away quietly in the early evening of Tuesday, Oct 14, 2014, at the age of 85, following a vigorous battle with lung cancer. Charlie, as he was widely known, was the son of Charles Joseph and Mary Irena Precourt. He was born in Medford, and lived in Hudson with his family since 1960.
Charlie joined the U.S. Army during WW II, and served in Japan through the final years of the war. Following military service, he returned home to Weston and partnered with his father to create the Charles J. Precourt and Son Architectural Stone Company, an evolution of his father’s original architecture company that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. The company has been doing business in Sudbury since 1958. Precourt’s stone company has provided building stone materials for well known, major construction projects throughout the New England area. The business still provides natural cut stone products today, now in its 4th generation.
Considered a leader throughout the industry, Charlie became recognized for providing a myriad of building stone products, often sourcing the raw material himself from quarries throughout the United States. He was highly respected in the business community and known most for being a people person, his outgoing nature, and always putting others ahead of himself.
Charlie was also a private pilot, having learned to fly in a Piper Cub in 1955. As his stone business grew, he would fly by private aircraft to visit quarry suppliers around the country to source building materials for major projects. He also flew for recreation, and shared his love of flying by teaching his three sons to fly.
While he was an energetic businessman, an avid gardener, and lover of aviation throughout his life, his greatest passions and accomplishments were found within his own family: his beloved wife of 60-plus years, Helen Marie of Waltham; sons Charles of Ogden, Utah (USAF-retired & NASA astronaut retired), Michael of Sudbury (C.J. Precourt & Son, Inc.), and Daniel of Hudson (USCG-retired); and sister Edna Bowers of Holbrook. He was also a dear grandfather to four granddaughters, Michelle, Sarah, Aimee, and Michaela, and a grandson, Harry, as well as great-grandfather of four great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson and a private service was held with immediate family members. A celebration of Charlie’s life is planned for the spring with information to follow for family and friends.
The family has requested donations in lieu of flowers be sent to UMass Memorial Health Care, Marlborough Hospital and be directed to the Cancer Pavilion at the Marlborough Hospital. Donations can be made online at https://w3.umassmed.edu/MarlboroHospitalOLG/ or by mail to Marlborough Hospital Development Office, 157 Union St., Marlborough, MA 01752.
