CHELSEA ? Charles James Whittier, 79, died unexpectedly at his home in Chelsea on Friday, Oct. 3, 2003. He was born in Milford, N.H., on June 11, 1924, the son of Bertha (Dore) and Everett Whittier. He graduated from Cony High School, class of 1942, and became part of the Army Specialized Training Program, in which he studied engineering at the El Paso, Texas, College of Mines. He was subsequently shipped overseas in the 12th Armored 'Hellcat' Tank Division, in which he served with honor. Among his awards were two Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantry Medal, of which he was the most proud. After recuperating from his wounds and time spent briefly as a prisoner of war, Mr. Whittier returned to life in Augusta and lived it fully. He met his beloved wife, Tobey, while working as a dispatcher for the Maine State Police. He subsequently worked for many years as an investigator for the state of Maine Motor Vehicle Department. He was an inspiration to other amputees wherever he went. Chuck was loved and cherished by all who knew him. He was unique in every way. He once said, about being shipped to England and France during World War II, 'I became acquainted with cruelty and violence for the first time, and I have spent a lifetime trying to fit back into society.' He succeeded with honor, dignity and modesty. Chuck was a selectman for the Town of Chelsea. He loved fishing, hunting, farming, gardening, his grandchildren and his farm, and he appreciated all the honest, simple things in life. He was predeceased by his brother, George Whittier. His survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Genevieve 'Tobey' Tobias Whittier, of Chelsea; his children, Gail Mulloy and her husband, Steve, of Bedford, N.H., June Pinkham and her husband, Tim, of Dover, N.H., James Whittier of Canyon County, Idaho, and Steve Whittier and his fiancee, Debbie, of Chelsea; his grandchildren, Jessica and Charles Pinkham, and Stephanie, Adam and Chase Whittier; Dean Parker, who was like a son to him; and many, many friends and cousins. A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Avenue, Augusta. Interment and committal prayers will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Whittier's memory may be made to the Chelsea School 6 Restoration Fund, c/o Kennebec Savings Bank, 150 State St., Augusta 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com