Hopkinton, NH – Charles Elliot Dibble passed away at his home on October 26, 2025 – his 81st birthday.
Born on October 26, 1944, in Charlotte, Michigan, Charles moved frequently in his early years before attending Indiana University, where he earned both his B.A. and J.D. degrees – and where he met his future wife, Judy.
After graduating, Charles served in the military as a nuclear engineer in Korea, following which he and Judy found their way to NH where they planted deep roots in the town of Hopkinton. There they lived for nearly five decades, building their home, their family life and Charles’ private law practice where he came to specialize in legal malpractice.
In his career, Charles took on many difficult and often uphill cases-especially when he believed deeply in the cause. He was willing to stand alone against large law firms in many of these cases, and through his persistence and skill, he helped shape case law in New Hampshire. In addition to his legal career, he had been a Dale Carnegie trainer and served as a deacon in his church.
Charles was competitive, intelligent, and an entertaining storyteller. He loved a challenge-whether in the courtroom, on the tennis or pickleball court, or while coaching middle school soccer. He also relished digging, building and tinkering around his house, operating his oft-broken-down series of backhoes, and sailing his sailboat off Cape Cod.
Charles and Judy shared a faithful and steadfast marriage until Judy’s passing on August 10, 2025, just months before his own.
Charles is survived by his son, Justin Dibble; his daughter, Amanda Dibble; his grandson, Thatcher Sirota; his granddaughter, Amara Nell Dibble Ogwuru; and his grandson, Udoka Charles Dibble Ogwuru. He is also survived by his brother, Daniel Dibble, and his sister, Linda Harwood.
In addition to his wife, Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Megan Sirota, who passed the year prior.
A joint service celebrating Charles and Judy’s lives has already been held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, in honor of Charles and Judy’s neighbor whose generosity and care for their family – and for so many others – has been a true and lasting light.
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