Charles J. Gove, 86, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at the Overlook Masonic Nursing Home in Charlton after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Dorothy L. (Horne) Gove; a son, Charles “Chuck” A. Gove of Rutland; a daughter, Bonnie J. Cerrato of Titusville, FL; a sister, Harriet DeJesus of Warren; four grandchildren, Ashley, Rob, Brenden and Mindy; three great-grandchildren, Callie, Rhett and Shanice; many nephews and nieces. Charles is predeceased by five brothers, George, Donald, Robert, William, and Leslie Gove Jr; and three sisters, Mary Callery, Beatrice Clark, and Louise Mills. He was born in Worcester, the son of Leslie W. and Hattie Mae (Wood) Gove and lived most of his life in Holden.

Mr. Gove was an Army Veteran of World War II. He served with Company A 865th Engineer Aviation Battalion in New Guinea and Southern Philippines where he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star. Charles owned and operated the Charles J. Gove Construction Company in Jefferson for many years.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rutland. He was a member and past master of the Rufus Putnam Lodge in Rutland. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Worcester: including the Worcester Lodge of Perfection, Goddard Council Princes of Jerusalem, the Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix and the Boston Consistory. He also was a member of the Aleppo Temple Shrine in Willington. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family.

Charles’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the care and compassion provided by the staff of the Overlook Masonic Nursing Home, especially Jean, Joanne and the countless others that touched his life in those final days with tenderness that they will never forget.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. The funeral for Mr. Gove will be held on Wednesday, July 13th, at 11 a.m. in First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main Street. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104-2396.