The Rev. Charles “Chuck” A. Gaines died on July 4, 2026, at the age of 90 (1936−2026).

Chuck is survived by his wife Carolyn Hawkes Gaines; his three children Lynda Gaines, Stephen Gaines, and Susan Gaines Duncan (Jim); his half-siblings Cindy Krusen, Peter Gaines, Tom Gaines, Melanie Anderson, and Martha Davis; six grandchildren Quinn, Charlie, Corey, Gwen, Bennett, and Juliette; two step-grandchildren Michael and Bill; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his half-sister Pam Fogarty, his sister Karen Barker, and his brother Donald Gaines.

A memorial service will be held at the First Parish in Framingham MA, in October. Details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Fund, First Parish in Framingham, 24 Vernon St, Framingham MA 01701, or to the Memorial Fund, Unitarian Universalist Church, 4831 E 22nd St, Tucson AZ 85711. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be shared here.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Kathleen Fowler at kathleenclarkfowler@gmail.com