Charles Edward Brinley II, of Old Lyme, Connecticut, died peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on November 17, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Charlie was the beloved husband of Margaret Nicoll Cadwalader Brinley for 57 years—a partnership that exemplified love, mutual respect, and playfulness. Charlie grew up in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, where he attended Chestnut Hill Academy. His education continued at The Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts, from the 8th through 12th grades, where he played multiple sports and formed lifelong friendships. As a Groton alumnus, Charlie was deeply involved in the school, serving as a form agent and helping achieve 100% participation in class giving for many years. He attended Yale University, graduating in 1963 with a degree in History. At Yale, Charlie was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity, Mace and Chain, and served as the Hockey Manager.
Charlie and his wife Nicoll met in Philadelphia and soon became a devoted couple, spending meaningful time together in York Harbor and North Haven, Maine, where both had strong family connections. Known for their festive parties, the couple created a welcoming home wherever they lived, surrounded by a wide circle of friends. In 1970, Charlie and Nicoll welcomed their son, Charles Edward Brinley III.
Charlie began his business career in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia National Bank. During this time, he also served his country as a member of The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. Charlie’s professional journey took him to many places. From 1972-1978, the Brinley's lived in Billings, Montana, where Charlie worked for Westmoreland Resources, ultimately serving as CEO. Their next move took them to Kingsport, Tennessee, where he headed operations at Westmoreland Coal, followed by senior officer roles from 1981-1990 in Philadelphia, Pa. From 1991-2009, they lived in Gloucester, Virginia, where Charlie was CEO of Dominion Terminal Associates in Newport News, Va. In 2009, Charlie and Nicoll moved to Old Lyme, Connecticut, where Charlie served as Secretariat (CEO) of CETOA, an inter-national consortium of coal terminal businesses, until his retirement in 2022.
Throughout his life, Charlie was committed to civic engagement and community building. While in Philadelphia, he served on the board of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. In Virginia, Charlie founded a soccer program for innercity boys in Newport News. He was on the board of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, co-chaired the Hampton Roads Partnership, and served as President of the board of the Virginia Mari-time Association. His dedication to service continued in Connecticut, where he served on the Standing Committee of the Society of Cincinnati in Connecticut and on the stewardship committee for St. Ann’s Church in Old Lyme. In addition to service, Charlie dedicated time to coaching youth soccer, a passion that was especially meaningful to him as the coach of his son’s youth teams. One of his favorite pastimes was cheering on his son and grandchildren in their various athletic endeavors.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, William West Frazier Brinley and Dorothy Bullitt Brinley of Philadelphia. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Nicoll Cadwalader Brinley; his son, Charles Edward Brinley III (Margot Morrison Brinley), and his three beloved grandchildren, William, Reily, and Catherine. He is also survived by his three siblings, Dorothy Manou, Helen Abraham, and Frazier Brinley, as well as his beloved extended family.
Charlie left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He was known for his attention to detail, kindness, and generosity. Charlie’s legacy of service, love, humor, and ability to make people smile will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many communities he touched throughout his life.
A memorial service will be held in Old Lyme, Connecticut, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Charlie’s memory may be made to Groton School, Groton, Mass. 01450-0991, attention of John D. MacEachern, Director of Alumni Affairs, for support of the school's GRAIN initiative (which makes tuition more affordable for all students of every background and financial status). Alternatively, donations may be made to the Old Lyme Ambulance Association, 14 Cross Lane, Old Lyme, Conn. 06371.
