Gregory Wayne Charlton of North Babylon, and formerly of Bridgehampton, died peacefully on October 26 at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. He was 73.
He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on September 29, 1951, to Luther (deceased) and Hattie Charlton, formerly of Bridgehampton, and was number four of six children.
He was a proud, intelligent and a stellar student, who was a gifted saxophonist and flautist. He was a member of his high school band beginning in his junior high school year at Bridgehampton High School.
As a teenager he was a founding member of a hometown R&B band, “Soul Fingers,” which consisted of his talented neighborhood friends playing at many venues, including the annual Fourth of July parade in Southampton. His passionate musical talent as a gifted falsetto voice in song was a true gift he freely shared.
He graduated from Bridgehampton High School as a member of the Class of 1969. In the fall of 1969, he began his studies at SUNY Stony Brook, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts in 1973.
He was very passionate and loved his numerous relatives and many loyal, admirable friends. His friends called him “Chick” while his father gave him the moniker of “Señor Grandpa” as he favored his paternal grandfather.
As a youngster, the annual summer and holiday visits with his aunts, uncles and cousins were always an anticipated joy. He would often be asked to play a tune on his saxophone for his uncles as soon as they arrived.
His love of fishing developed from his maternal uncle, who would take him aboard his boat in Sag Harbor. He loved the beach and swimming at Long Beach in the summers.
In the winter months during his childhood, whenever there was snowfall, he would have snowball fights with his sisters and with other children in the neighborhood, and ride his sled downhill while his father made “snow cream.”
His sense of humor would always make everyone laugh and his wisdom was boundless. He enjoyed stand-up comedy shows. He was always filled with joy whenever there was rainfall or a hurricane, as he loved that smell and the sound of it all of his life. One of his favorite television shows was “Jeopardy,” and he enjoyed trivia games, which he excelled at.
His was a golden life filled with kindness and pure love for all who knew him, his family said.
He owned and operated Charlton Taxi and Limousine in the Hamptons and later established the business in western Suffolk County. During this period of his life, he connected with many well-known celebrities as loyal customers and was offered gigs as a studio musician in Manhattan, and many other perks. His customers enjoyed his sense of humor, and, in some cases, his empathy, just like his father’s.
He would later go on to establish another successful taxi service in western Suffolk County.
In 1988, he married his soulmate, Patricia Miles of North Babylon. As a couple, they held many fun-filled family gatherings, frequently traveled, took various cruises and were passionate about attending basketball games of his son and nephews.
He was a diehard New York Knicks and New York Jets fan. His nephew was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs LVIII Super Bowl Champions and with great pride, he attended and cheered his games.
He enjoyed every aspect of growing up in the Hamptons. He knew the best spots for fishing, crabbing and excelled at preparing seafood dinners, becoming an expert from working throughout the summer months at Herb McCarthy’s while attending high school.
He is survived by his wife Patricia; his son Randall; daughters Alexis, Chalese, Shamika and Lavender; his mother, Hattie Charlton; brothers Jerome and Raymon Charlton (Brenda); his sisters Cassandra, Valerie and Denise Charlton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) in his honor.
Staff Writer on Nov 4, 2024