New London - On Nov. 7, 2016, Charles T. Kripps. a.k.a. "Chickiy," "Charlie," and "Poppiy," passed away peacefully after a chronic illness, surrounded by family and close friends.Charles was born on Feb. 10, 1951, in New London, and continued school in Waterford until he joined the Army in 1968 with his twin brother, Bobby. After serving his time during the Vietnam War, he returned to New London and obtained a job at Electric Boat where he made his way up the ladder, worked for 25+ years and made several lifelong friendships.In 1973, he married Michele Brennick and had two daughters, Tiffany and Samantha, whom they raised in Waterford. Although they divorced in 1997, he and Michele remained close friends until the end.During his lifetime, Charles had a positive impact on all those around him. He had a reputation for helping family and friends in need in whatever way he could. Charles was a charismatic, witty, easy-going and warmhearted person. Throughout his life he had countless friends and family members who came to him and spent time with him because he had a rare ability of making people feel good about themselves, no matter how down on their luck they were. He prided himself on listening without judgment and never sharing one's personal story with others.In his life, Charles exemplified the power of true forgiveness. Those who knew him know in their hearts that he loved them unconditionally.Charles was predeceased by his twin brother, Bobby, his older brother, Paul, and his parents, William E. and Ada Hathaway Kripps. He is survived by his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Michele Kripps; his daughter, Tiffany Saunders and her husband, Lee; daughter, Samantha Zweir and her husband, Steve; his brother, William and his wife, Alice; his sister, Alice Verlinde; and their families. He will be sorely missed by his seven grandchildren, Julian, Lucas, and Tallulah Saunders and Isabel, Phoebe, Stevie, and Elodie Zweir, and the numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and close friends who had the pleasure of knowing him. Chickiy was truly one of a kind whose memory will live on in our hearts.There will be a funeral service at 12 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Jordan Cemetery in Waterford. Everyone who knew him is welcome to attend and say their goodbyes at his military burial.