Born: 06/01/1942
Philadelpha, PA
Died: 02/11/2026
McClure Miller Respite House
Colchester, VT
Details of service:
A memorial service will be held April 25th at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rte 15 Jericho, VT.
Charles (Chuck) Vile, 83 of Chapin Road, Essex, Vermont died peacefully on February 11, 2026 at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT.
Chuck was born June 1, 1942 to Charles E. and Elenore Vile of Broomall, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Marple-Newton High School in 1960.
Upon receiving his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Forestry from Penn State University in 1964, Chuck was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. In 1965 he earned a Master’s Degree in Forestry from Penn State. Chuck was called to active duty in the Army in 1967 where he served in the Chemical Corps working on the Agent Orange project. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1969.
In 1966, Chuck married Helen Buehler of Broomall, PA. In 1969, the couple moved to Vermont, a place they had fallen in love with during a summer visit the year before and knew would be the home where they would raise their family. Chuck began his long and dedicated career as a forester with the Vermont Department of Forests and Parks where he managed State forests, parks, and wildlife management areas. He also supported urban and community forestry programs, assisting private woodland owners with responsible land management. After 38 years of service to the State of Vermont, Chuck retired in 2007 as the Northwest Forest District Manager.
In 1976, Chuck and Helen settled in Essex, where they raised their children and became active members of the community. Chuck served the Town of Essex in multiple roles, including Town Forester, Town Tree Warden, and as a member of the Conservation Committee, contributing his expertise to the stewardship of the Indian Brook Reservoir and Saxon Hill forest plans.
Chuck was a devoted supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and artistic pursuits. He could often be found cheering from the sidelines as well as serving with the Boy Scouts and coaching both Little League baseball and soccer. Outside of his professional life, he was a passionate organic gardener, avid reader of history, an amateur sheep raiser, and an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed snowshoeing, hiking, and attending Lake Monsters baseball games—especially on hot dog night. He found joy in the simple pleasures of Vermont life: visiting the animals at the Champlain Valley Fair, apple season at Chapin Orchard, savoring maple creemees, and taking long walks on Chapin Road with Helen by his side.
Chuck’s life was marked by service, love of family, and an enduring appreciation for the natural world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Chuck is predeceased by Helen, his wife of 52 years. He is survived by his son Timothy Vile and his wife Stacy of Northfield, VT; his daughter Amy Vile and her husband Dr. Spencer Sherman and their son Isaac of Colchester, VT; his son Peter Vile and his wife Dr. Emilie Beaupre and their sons Liam Vile and Jack Vile of Essex, VT.
The Vile family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caring staff at the McClure Miller Respite House.
