Charles "Charlie" Grover Baskin, 88, of Ponce Inlet, FL, CGCS retired, passed away on September 5, 2024, followed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Molly Mansur Baskin, on September 10, 2024.
Charlie was born on June 21, 1936, in Waterbury, CT. After graduating from Crosby High School in Waterbury, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. His graduate studies were interrupted when he was called to serve as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers.
Charlie worked as the Golf Course Superintendent at the Country Club of Waterbury for more than 30 years. He then became a renowned consultant, combining his engineering expertise with his deep knowledge of golf course management. His work spanned a wide array of projects, including consulting for airports, major sports stadiums, golf courses, and park departments. He was often called upon as an expert witness in the judicial system.
Throughout his career, Charlie made significant contributions to environmental sustainability in the golf industry. He testified at numerous local, state, and federal hearings, including U.S. congressional hearings on chemical and water usage in turf management. His early advocacy for tax-deferred retirement savings helped pave the way for the establishment of the Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Charlie served as President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), where he was a 64-year association member, and the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. His contributions to the golf industry earned him induction into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame and the prestigious Tradition of Excellence Award from GCSAA and The Scotts Company. He was also an Honorary Member of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of Connecticut.
In addition to his professional achievements, Charlie had a deep commitment to his community. While living in Waterbury, he was elected to the city's Board of Education, was chairman of the Silas Bronson Library committee, and served as President of the Association of Connecticut Library Boards. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for Waterbury’s historic Riverside Cemetery.
Molly was born on March 24, 1937, and led a fulfilling life marked by dedication to her family, friends and community. Born and raised in Fryeburg, Maine, she graduated from Fryeburg Academy and later from Gorham State Teachers College. Upon completing her education, she moved to Connecticut, where she began her career as an elementary school teacher. Molly's career took a different path when she entered the financial sector, working at banks in New Haven and Waterbury.
In 1996, after years in Connecticut, Molly and Charlie moved to Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, where Molly worked in the administrative offices for the town of Sandwich. After retiring to Ponce Inlet, FL, in 2004, Molly continued her life of service, volunteering at her church’s thrift store. She was also a member of the Ponce Inlet Garden Club and the KnitWits knitting group, Molly found joy in simple pleasures, often enjoying a good book or challenging herself with crossword puzzles.
Together, Molly and Charlie were active members of three churches throughout their lives: First Baptist Church of Waterbury, Federated Church of Hyannis in Cape Cod, and Port Orange United Church of Christ in Florida.
Charlie and Molly cherished their time with their family above all. Charlie, affectionately known as “Boppy” by his grandchildren, and Molly, known for her love and care, took great pride in their roles as parents and grandparents. They are survived by their children, Douglas Baskin (Jennifer) of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Kristin Connors (Mark) of Medway, MA, as well as their four beloved grandchildren: Sean, Aidan, and Maggie Connors, and Brianna Baskin along with Molly’s brother Jack Mansur and his wife Paula of New York.
Their shared love for life, family, and community will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Halifax Health – Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129, their email address is hospicefundev@halifax.org.