Obituary of Charles Robert Herzy

Charles “Chuck” Robert Herzy, 85, of Westbrook, CT passed away peacefully at home on February 17, 2023 with his high school sweetheart Jacqueline “Jackie” (Gagner) by his side.  He was predeceased by son Robert.

Born in New Britain, CT, to the late Charles & Emma (Hebenstreit) Herzy, Chuck spent the next 52 years there building a family and business with Jackie.

In his youth, Chuck had a love of horses, winning a grand championship in 1950 at the age of 12.

Chuck began playing the trumpet at 8 years old, which was the beginning of his love of music.  This proved to be one of the most important decisions of his life, as the rest of his life was built around this love of music.  After graduating in 1955 from New Britain High School, where Chuck was the founding member of his band, The Chick Herzy Orchestra, he went on to the Hartt College of Music, earning both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in music.  The Chick Herzy Orchestra played for more than 40 years at weddings, parties and many other events.  

While in New Britain, Chuck was very involved with his community, judging several local Miss America affiliated pageants, emceeing the Miss Greater New Britain Pageant and was the youngest president of the Lions Club.  Upon moving to Westbrook, Chuck continued his community involvement with the local Elks Club.

Chuck’s career began in Thomaston, CT where he was the Director of Music from 1959-1962.  He soon realized that his passion was moving him into a new direction, so he opened his own business, CT Music Company in 1962.  He offered musical instrument rentals, sales and lessons to school aged children.  CT Music Company is still in business today, being passed on to his sons. 

Music filled Chuck’s extra-curricular life as well as his business life.  He was a former board member for the New Britain Symphony and former conductor of the Meriden Community Chorus and the Old Lyme Village Voices. 

In 1989, Chuck and Jackie moved to Westbrook, bringing them closer to another passion of Chucks, boating.  He owned his first boat at the age of 17 and continually had boats, including a 1955 “Woody” Chris Craft, until grandchildren came along and they quickly became more important than life on the water.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jacqueline (Gagner), sons Charles “Chip” of Westbrook, Doug, his wife Traci, also of Westbrook and his beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, of Middletown and Austin, of Westbrook.   Chuck also leaves behind his sister, Irene Spring, her husband Bill and their children, Laura-Jean (Steve) Minton, Lisa (Brian) Unwin & Julie Spring along with additional extended family.

Private services were held at Chuck’s request. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.