Merton “Charlie” E. Edlin, 100, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the Life Care Center in Leominster after an illness. He was born in Worcester, the son of Charles E. and Ida E. (Johnson) Edlin and had lived most of his life in Holden.

His loving wife of 57 years, Muriel E. (Joseph) Edlin, passed away in 1999. He leaves his son, Frederick Edlin and his wife, Diane of Hubbardston; three grandchildren and their spouses, Tyler Edlin and his wife Jayme, Jenny Banach and her husband, Michael and Eli Edlin and his wife Devon; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Charles E. Edlin and his grandson, Ethan C. Edlin.

Charlie graduated from Worcester Boys Trade before going to work in the family’s blacksmith shop, Charles E. Edlin & Son Company in Worcester. He acquired the business from his father in the 1930s and continued working until the age of 92. He passed the company to his son in the 1980s and his grandson is currently employed there.

He was member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Morning Star Lodge of Masons and was a member of the Tatnuck Island Club, all in Worcester. He was a hard working family man who loved to spend time with his family. He enjoyed fishing, boating and tending to his garden. Charlie’s one wish on celebrating his 100th birthday was to be able to go back to work and swing a hammer. Hard work was what kept him going all those years. He will be sadly missed.

Services for Charlie are private at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden followed by a committal service at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children , 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114-2699.