Charles E. Maynard ’57
Charles E. Maynard, Cowesett, RI, died May 19. He served on the Saint Michael’s Alumni Board of Directors from 1978 to 1980.
Charley was a graduate of LaSalle Academy (1953), and after Saint Michael’s, the Columbia University School of Social Work (1964). He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1958 – 1961 as a psychiatric social worker and instructor of English and mathematics in Germany.
A pioneer in community mental health, Charley founded the Providence Center in 1968 and served as its President & CEO for the next 36 years. Initially working out of a rented space at the Biltmore Hotel, he created a unique mental health care organization that would provide a wide range of treatment and supportive services to keep patients out of institutional settings wherever possible.
Under his leadership, The Providence Center became a national model for mental health treatment with innovative programs and services that promoted the highest quality of care and life for people with mental illness— an organization that expanded services for a variety of populations throughout Rhode Island.
Charley was a national leader in behavioral health care, serving on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Centers of America from 1986-2004 (and as Chair from 1990-1992), and on the Board of Directors of the National Council of Community Behavioral Healthcare from 1985-2004. In addition to his work in behavioral health care, he was active in many community and civic organizations, including serving on the boards of Roger Williams Medical Center and Charter Care Health Partners, Whitmarsh House, Kent County YMCA, among others.
Charley touched the lives of many people throughout his life. He was known for his empathy and sense of humor. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was a passionate gardener and opera lover. Over the years, he continued to expand his backyard garden, which he tended to with great care. He also had a brief period raising chickens to the delight of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Victoria, and by two sons, a daughter, a sister and extended family.
To read the full obituary, click here: https://www.hillfuneralhome.com/obituary/charles-maynard