Charles Henry Rankin, III

Charles Henry “Chuck” Rankin III, age 76, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 6, 1949, Chuck was the son of Charles Henry Rankin Jr. of Everett, Massachusetts, and Margaret (Pierce) Rankin of Lincoln, Nebraska. He began his distinguished dental career in 1968 as a Dental Assistant in the United States Air Force. He later became a commissioned dentist in 1979 and went on to specialize as an endodontist in 1986. Chuck proudly served his country for 20 years before continuing his professional career at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. At Tufts, he was the Director of Predoctoral Endodontic for fifteen years and was Interim Chair of Comprehensive Care for six years. Among his many teaching honors, he won the Dean Award in Excellence in Preclinical Teaching for eleven years in a row.

Chuck’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. He had a deep love for travel especially to Norway to see their family. He embraced every opportunity to explore the world and experience all that life had to offer.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ingeborg “Kris” (Aamelfot) Rankin; his daughters, Ingrid Rankin and Kerith Rankin; his cherished grandchildren, Sofia, Christopher, Ola, and Norunn; his son-in-law, Robert Pawle (Kerith) and John Matheson (Ingrid’s partner); and his brothers, David, Richard, and John Rankin.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents; his parents-in-law, Ola and Malfrid Aamelfot; his brother, Dennis Rankin; his brother-in-law, Lars Aamelfot; and his sisters-in-law, Ellen Rankin and Ruth Rankin.

A Funeral Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Wakefield, 8 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, MA on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 AM. Visiting hours will take place at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, MA, on Thursday, April 23 from 4 – 7 PM.

Memorial donations in Chuck’s name may be made to Oceanwood Christian Camp and Conference Center.