Stephen A. Charron

Stephen A. Charron, 68, laid down his working tools on November 7th 2023, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, Ga after a long battle with multiple health problems. Stephen was born to Marion (Nunes) Charron and Alfred Charron of West Warwick, Rhode Island, where he grew up. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Cozart) Charron; son Jason Charron, his wife Tonda, daughter Julia Harnois, her husband Stephen, sister Carol LeClair: her husband Roger; grandchildren Caroline Harnois, Elody Charron, Liam Harnois and Mila Charron. As well as his nieces and nephews; Paul Kostka, Jimmie Cozart, Rachel Shannon, Kristin Shaffer, Ron Gracy, Ian Gracy, Brian LeClair, Keith LeClair, Kimberly LeClair, James LeClair, Melissa LeClair and Nicole LeClair. Steve is a graduate of Warwick Veterans high school class of 1972. He traveled Europe with the chorale and sang at some of the most beautiful cathedrals and open-air concerts, under the direction of the teacher, he affectionately called, "Uncle Mike". His love of music continued throughout his life and it was evident to all of those around him. The "Buffy shuffle" will always be his dance. A retired nurse of Rhode Island Hospital ER, Steve trained in the U.S. Army where he met his wife and they married in 1976. They shared a beautiful marriage of almost fifty years. He was always everyone's go to guy and spent many years coaching his children's sports teams for the Richmond County, GA Parks and Rec. When he attempted to quit coaching to pursue a higher degree of education, the rec office was flooded with calls from parents. He ultimately stayed working with the kids and impacted many lives in the process and brought home many championships and a coach of the year award. He would host team party's giving a "rap" about each kid when presenting trophies. It was a great joy in his life. Steve was a long-time member of Harmony Lodge #9 of Cranston, RI where he rose in rank and became a Master Mason. He served as Worshipful Master from 2007-2008. He was highly involved in helping new members learn rites and progress through the degrees of freemasonry. His favorite activities were the annual children's Christmas party and the family picnic at the Masonic Youth Center. Family meant everything to Steve. When his children had moved out of state to pursue their own dreams, he followed. He was always ready with a joke or advice, but lord help you if he said secret Charron shortcut. You were lost! Traveling, camping and hiking were all passions that he shared with his family. It was all about the view and taking the time to enjoy it. Stephen spent the summer before joining the Army traveling from Rhode Island to California, on foot. He camped and hiked across the country by himself. He said it was the most beautiful and intoxicating experience he had ever lived. He found generous families and farms to stay the night with from time to time, but spent most nights in his trusty sleeping bag, which he passed on to his only grandson. Family was not just by blood. Steve had an affinity for making friends into family. His coworkers, lodge brothers and their families all knew his love for them. He and his wife hosted 3rd of July parties where everyone was welcome at their home in Buttonwoods. He often wondered, after selling the home, if the new owners ever had anyone show up because there were never invitations, everyone just came. Of all the accomplishments Steve would want to be remembered for, his membership in Harmony Lodge and his status as Master Mason are two of the most important. He loved spending time with his lodge brothers and helped promote awareness of freemasonry in his town and anywhere he traveled. Steve was Senior DeMolay from Fidelity Chapter Order of DeMolay, Served as an advisor from 2005 to 2016. He received the DeMolay Cross of Honor in 2015 as well as the DeMolay Legion of Honor the same year for his conspicuous accomplishments throughout his life. He also served as the Chapter Chairman for several years. He has the Harmony Lodge Meritorious Service Award and received the Grand Lodge Meritorious Service Award as well. He was a Member of Harmony Chapter #15 Royal Arch Masons and Doric Council #7 Royal and Select Masters until 2016. He was dubbed a Knight of the Temple in St. Johns Commandery No.1 Providence on October 4th 2011. Steve was a wonderful example of a Mason, a husband, a father, brother, Papa and a friend. He always had time for others and was the first to lend a hand to someone in need. Always remember, "Don't sweat the small stuff. Everything is small stuff." A memorial service will be held in Rhode Island in the spring. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, he proudly supported The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and The Murray County, Ga. Humane Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA 30721; 706-529-5371.

Stephen A. Charron

November 7, 2023