In his signature understated fashion, Charles "Charlie" Cromwell Ives II, of Marblehead, MA died peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2025, in Marblehead following a brief decline.

Born October 26, 1935, in Essex Fells, NJ to Gordon Frederick and Helen (Hurd) Ives, Charlie spent his formative years as a student at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, graduating with the class of 1953. His lifelong connection to the school was evident in his steady loyalty and generosity as a Tabor supporter for more than seven decades.

After attending Princeton University for a year and a half, Charlie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he married Marianne "Marnie" Gray-Robinson, whom he first met as a 15-year-old during a family vacation near her home in Bermuda. Charlie and Marnie moved to Lancaster, PA shortly after their marriage, where he completed a business degree at Franklin & Marshall College.

The couple settled in Marblehead in 1961, drawn to its seaside location. Charlie spent the majority of his professional life in fiduciary services and estate planning. Later in his career he was honored with a Lifetime Service Award by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, recognizing his many years of dedicated service to the estate-planning profession. Due to his enduring work ethic and relentless energy, Charlie retired unsuccessfully at least twice, extending his career well into his 70s.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Charlie served as a corporator of the Boston Biomedical Research Institute in Watertown. He was a steadfast supporter of several Marblehead institutions, lending his time and talents to the Abbot Public Library, the Marblehead-Swampscott YMCA, Goldthwait Reservation, and as a tax aide for AARP.

A member of the Eastern Yacht Club for 60 years, Charlie participated in both the Marblehead to Halifax and Newport to Bermuda races. Sailing was one of his lifelong joys, along with squash, paddle tennis, and the occasional friendly round of golf.

An affable, gentle man known for the twinkle in his eye, Charlie will be deeply missed by his family. He leaves his devoted wife of 65 years, Marianne (Gray-Robinson) Ives, daughters Carrie Schluter (Douglas) and Elizabeth "Leaf" Wallace (Scott) of Marblehead, MA, and son Nicholas (Lainie) of Newburyport, MA. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Christian, Amanda, Anna, Christopher, Charlie, Nicholas "Iggy", and Nathaniel. Predeceased by a sister, Laura Gailly de Taurines, Charlie is survived by his sister Barbara Riegel, of New York.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at 11am on Friday, May 9th at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Marblehead. Following the service a reception will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlie's memory may be made to The Goldthwait Reservation Inc., P.O. Box 1025, Marblehead, MA 01945 (goldthwait.org/donate).