Chuck Kollars

Chuck Kollars, longtime Ipswich resident, died on August 1, 2024 at the age of 70.  He was born and raised in Washington State with his siblings Bob and Ruthie. There he developed a love for the waterways of Puget Sound and for home science experiments and jazz music.

Chuck moved across the country to attend Harvard University. In later years, he enjoyed telling stories about moving all of his belongings in a single shopping cart and growing cultured and fermented foods in his campus housing. He also told people that he attended Washington State University because he was too shy to say he went to Harvard.

After graduation, Chuck moved to California to ride the Silicon Valley tech wave. A talented programmer, he enjoyed the work but not the long hours. Although he eventually left the field, he never lost the sense of humor and love of tinkering that he and his peers shared while working with computers.

In 1988, Chuck decided to make one final cross-country move to marry Kaye Cook. They raised two children, Jennie and Caleb, in Ipswich. They were later divorced.

At that point, Chuck was done with moving. He settled in an apartment in downtown Ipswich over the barber shop, and across from the fire station. When the US invaded Afghanistan, he hung a lit homemade peace sign in his window which served as a local landmark. He frequented the restaurants and cafes in Ipswich where he was on a first-name basis with many servers.

Chuck cared deeply about Ipswich. He was easily recognized in town by his hat, cane, and thick book. He volunteered for many local organizations over the years, including Goodale Orchards, Ipswich River Watershed Association, The Council on Aging, the Public Library, the Public Schools, and the historical society. He also wrote many letters to the editors of his local papers.

While taking classes at the local community college, he found romance again with a film professor, Davida Rosenblum. They shared their love of live music, artsy movies, and books over the many years of a lovely relationship that he never expected. Chuck moved to Beverly to be with Davida.  He was active with both the Ipswich and Beverly Councils on Aging, and also anywhere else he could play cribbage.

Chuck survived a major car accident at the end of 2023 but was not able to fully recover despite months of hard work. Chuck is survived by his children Jennie and Caleb, their partners Trevor and Lizeth, his grandson August, his siblings Bob and Ruthie, and their families.

The family invites you to join them for a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:30AM to be held at Morris Funeral Home, 45 N Main St, Ipswich, MA.  Lunch reception at 12:30PM with jazz quartet, 1640 Hart House, 51 Linebrook Rd, Ipswich, MA.  To send a letter of condolence to the Kollars family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chuck Kollars, please visit our floral store.