It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charles P. Rousseau on April 15, 2025. He passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. Charles was 74 years old.
Charles was born in Beverly, MA on May 5, 1950, to Barbara (Jones) and Maurice A. Rousseau, Jr. As a small child Charles and his family lived in Islesboro, a small island off the coast of Maine. At the age of 13 the family relocated to Ipswich, settling on Charlotte Road.
Charles was a graduate of Ipswich High School. As a teen he enjoyed playing football and baseball but fell in love with building and racing stock cars. To his mother’s dismay, Charles (with his brothers, father and school friends) spent many Easter holidays racing at Hudson Speedway’s “opening day” in his ’55 Chevy C Car.
After high school Charles began his career in the automotive field working alongside his dad at Davy Chevrolet. He was employed at Visconti Chevrolet as Service Director and al-so worked in automotive sales and as a mechanic for many years. After attending the welding program at Whittier Tech Charles worked for McCormack’s Welding and in the later years he joined his brother Art at Art’s Auto Center as an automotive welder/fabricator and mechanic.
Charles spent many years carrying on the family tradition of stock car racing like his dad and brother Art before him. With the support of his dear friends and family, “Charging Charlie” Rousseau raced all over New England as well as at tracks in Canada and Florida. He received numerous trophies and awards for recognition but was most proud to win the 1994 Street Stock Championship at Lee Speedway. He ended his racing career with a feature win at Lee Speedway in 2010. Charles was a devoted father to his son Charles “Chas” Rousseau, Jr. Senior would often brag about Junior to whoever would listen. He spent many years coaching Chas in baseball, attending his sporting events and vacationing in Florida. One of Charles proudest moments was the day that Chas graduated from college.
In his later years Charles spent time watching the Red Sox and other sports on TV, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his best friends and most notably his partner Lisa. Charles had a special fondness for his cats Mookie and Frankie and his dogs Jack, Tuukka and Brooks.
Charles will be remembered as hardworking, generous and fun loving; someone who embraced life fully every single day. He will be forever missed by all who knew him.
Charles is survived by his son Charles “Chas” P. Rousseau, Jr., his stepson Justin Benzer, his siblings Maurice Arthur Rousseau and Holly E. Rousseau-Bushneck, his partner Lisa Hawkesworth, his granddaughter Jonaie Hilton-McKay, several nieces and nephews, many dear friends and extended family. Charles was predeceased by his parents Barbara (Jones) and Maurice A. Rousseau, Jr., his former wife Marla K. Rousseau and brother Stephen F. Rousseau.
Calling hours will be Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m., at F.S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley. Following the calling hours, friends & family are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Masonic Temple, 70 Topsfield Rd., Ipswich, MA at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Charles’ name to the Speedway Children’s Charities at https://www.speedwaycharities.org
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence,
please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
~ Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~
