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SOUTHAMPTON - Charles Emerson, 68, of Southampton, passed away at home on Jan. 27, 2010, after a battle with cancer, surrounded as in life by the deep love of his family.

Born July 22, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Ind., he grew up in Westfield and Southampton and graduated from Easthampton High School as a National Merit Scholar in 1959. He attended Wesleyan University and the University of Hartford, receiving a B.A. in mathematics, and earned his master's degree in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He married his high school sweetheart, Janice Coyle, in 1961. He worked as a mainframe computer software specialist at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and at Cigna Corp. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed driving school buses in Hadley and Southampton.

Throughout his life he maintained his interest in computers of all types, puns, astronomy, airplanes, railroading, education, Gilbert and Sullivan, and history. Charles served as treasurer of various organizations, taught Sunday school, and served on various Congregational Church committees.

His main love, however was his family.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Janice; daughter, Cheryl Adams J.D. and her husband, Michael, of Centennial, Colo.; daughter, Susan Strasser M.D. and her husband, Stephen, of Cobleskill, N.Y.; grandchildren Eric, Joshua and Tristan; mother, Maybelle Todd of Sun City, Ariz.; father, Robert (Evelyn) Emerson of Lisbon, N.H.; sister, Martha (Harry) Bowman of Philadelphia; brothers, Clifford (Patsy) Emerson of Glendale, Ariz., and Parker (Sandra) Emerson of Claremont, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Easthampton on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. following a calling hour from 1 p.m. until the time of the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060, or the charity of your choice.