Obituary of Charles E. Asklund

Charles E. Asklund, a longtime employee of Long’s Jewelers passed away after a fall on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. He was 87 years old. Charles was born in Rockland, Massachusetts and grew up in Quincy. He was the son of Carl and Agnes Asklund. He was a graduate of Quincy High School. He then spent almost 40 years working at Long’s Jewelers. He started with Long’s at their South Shore Plaza location. Throughout his career, he continued his training and education in gemology. He earned his certification as a gemologist and was a registered jeweler. He transferred to Long’s Boston location and when the Long’s Jewelry store in Burlington opened, he jumped at that opportunity. He purchased a home in Burlington and worked at that location until he was 65. He was extremely knowledgeable in his field. He was the branch manager for years. He loved helping his customers. He not only helped customers pick a beautiful piece of jewelry, but also help them appreciate all the different aspects including styles, cut, clarity, color involved in selecting the perfect piece. He has helped countless customers choose the perfect gift whether it was for an engagement, anniversary, special occasion, or just to say “I Love You”. He would be a salesman, confidant, friend, advisor, and so many other roles to his regular customers. It was like he was an extended family member, but the one who knew all the secrets and upcoming events. It was never the sale, but the feeling and emotion of the customer that was most rewarding part of his career. Charles was a talented musician. He was a professional piano player. It was also what brought he and his wife, Sheila, together. He was playing the piano for a musical and Sheila was in the cast. After the show, they met at the cast party and their music played on for the next 60 years. He was a regular pianist at the Hartwell House in Lexington and the Baldwin Landing in Woburn. He could play any style of music and many from memory. He enjoyed sharing and teaching his talents with his family. He was especially thrilled to see his son, Peter, follow his dreams in music as well. Charles and Sheila married in 1963. They settled in Burlington in 1968 and raised their 3 children in the community. He would spend hours maintaining his yard and tending to his vegetable, flower, and rock gardens. He enjoyed following his children in their sports, music, and activities. There were many summer family vacations spent on Cape Cod. He enjoyed a good game of croquet. To the chagrin of his family, he was a loyal Yankees fan. He was a coffee aficionado. He appreciated the aromas, the brewing, intricate flavors, and origins. He will be remembered and missed by his family, friends, and fans. Charles was the beloved husband of 57 years of Sheila (Donovan). He was the loving father of C. Peter Asklund of Arlington, Mark Asklund & his wife Marie of Lowell, and Kristen Asklund of Boston. He was the brother of the late Esther Slater, Mary Grimes and Barbara Asklund. He was the grandfather of Christian Asklund and Seth Jones. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, 72 East Concord St., Room C3, Boston, MA 02118 or www.apdaparkinson.org. For directions obituary & online guest book see www.stmargaretburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net