Charles Arthur Compton, 87, of Sebastian, passed away on Dec. 14, 2014, following a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife, Leona; his three children Lisa Compton Bellocchio (Matthew), Karl Compton and Carol Compton; one granddaughter, Holly Bellocchio Durso (Erik); and two stepsons, Mark Monroe and Barry Monroe.
He was the son of Karl Taylor Compton and Margaret Hutchinson Compton, and was born May 17, 1927.
He graduated from the Shady Hill School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received his Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University in 1954.
Compton taught at The Mt. Hermon School from 1953-1955, and then at Phillips Exeter Academy from 1955 until his retirement. There, he coached track, wrestling, crew, and the Rocket Club. He also spent one year (1965-66) at Malvern College, in Great Malvern, England, helping to develop the Nuffield method of teaching science; a system that is still in use today.
Upon retirement, he moved to Sebastian, and became very active in the growth of the local Unitarian Universalist Church, where he was board chair, choir director, visionary, and sermon-giver. He also was faithful to his tiny cabin (built by his grandfather in 1896) on Otsego Lake in northern Michigan, opening it each year for friends and family to enjoy. One of his great joys was singing in choral groups, and he travelled the world as musical ambassador.
A future memorial service is planned, to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, Florida.
