Charles S. Cilley ’63 died on October 19, 2025, in Wells, Maine.
(The following was provided by Bibber Funeral Home in October 19, 2025:)
Charles S. Cilley ’63
Charles “Chuck” Cilley passed away peacefully at Avita in Wells, ME, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and devotion to family.
Born to Homer R. Cilley and Carolyn D. (Somers) Cilley, Chuck grew up in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and graduated from Marblehead High School before attending Bowdoin College, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in 1963. After college, he married Carol Poor, and together they raised three children.
Chuck spent his career in the home textiles industry, beginning with Fieldcrest and later WestPoint Stevens. His work took him across the country, including a few years in Lake Oswego, Oregon, before he settled into a commute from Westport, Connecticut, to New York City, where he spent the majority of his professional life.
Chuck and Carol raised their family in Westport and remained friends after their eventual divorce. In 1994, Chuck met the love and partner of his later years, Teri Orefice. In 1997, they moved to Wells, Maine, to be closer to the family cottage on Moody Beach—a place that held deep meaning for Chuck throughout his life.
Living near the ocean brought Chuck immense joy. He was a daily walker from Moody Beach to Ogunquit and spent countless summer hours body surfing, swimming, and enjoying beach time with his children, grandchildren, and Teri. Winters were for skiing, especially at Sugarloaf, another beloved family tradition.
Even after moving to Maine, Chuck remained active in his industry, working for Biddeford Blankets and later Cuddledown before retiring.
Chuck was predeceased by his brother, Homer “Skip” Cilley. He is survived by his partner of thirty-one years, Teri Orefice; his children, Caroline Sumrall of Birmingham, AL, Charlie Cilley of Marblehead, MA, and Doug Cilley of Jupiter, FL; his ten grandchildren; and his former wife and friend, Carol Hayden.
Chuck will be remembered for his deep love of family, the ocean, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures.