Charles Foley

SCARBOROUGH — Charles T. Foley, 78, of Scarborough, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

Charles was born in Portland, on Oct. 5, 1936, the son of the late Patrick J. Foley and Joan M. Turkovitz Foley. He graduated from Deering High School, Class of 1955.

Charles was given a medal for his heroism in saving the lives of four people during Hurricane Carol, when he ran into a store warning the people to get out before a large tree crushed the store. Charlie managed to crawl out unhurt after the tree fell.

Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating, serving his time with honor. This was something Charlie was proud of.

Charles was married to Joan Christopher, and together they made their home in South Portland and Scarborough.

Charles spent most of his working life as a printer with the Portland Lithograph Company and then opened his own company, as a partner of Loranger Printing in Biddeford, retiring in the late 1980s.

Unable to remain idle, Joni and Charlie opened their own business in South Portland, Premier Video. They had a great following, as people always loved coming to the store where Charlie would share his vast interests. Charlie knew everyone, their kids, their pets, and was always there to help. In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed his hobby of trains. He had an amazing collection of model trains, many of which he constructed and painted. He enjoyed planes and flying as well as hot air balloons, stamp collecting, and playing golf with the family. He and Joni had a great love for animals, especially cats, many of which they rescued over the years.

Charles was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Foley.

He is survived by his wife Joan Foley of Scarborough; three sisters, Joan Lennon of Casco, Mary Allen of Portland and Theresa Diffin of South Portland; and a brother James P. Foley of Tampa, Fla.; along with many nieces and nephews; and especially their two cats Simon and Nikita.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 24, 2015, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 10 a.m. in Old Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com

Those who wish may make contributions in Charlie’s memory to the Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.