OLD LYME — 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… He attended Yale University, graduating in 1963 with a degree in History …
Charlie and his wife Nicoll met in Philadelphia … In 1970, Charlie and Nicoll welcomed their son, Charles Edward Brinley III.
Charlie began his business career in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia National Bank … Charlie’s professional journey took him to many places … In 2009, Charlie and Nicoll moved to Old Lyme, Connecticut, where Charlie served as Secretariat (CEO) of CETOA, an international consortium of coal terminal businesses, until his retirement in 2022.
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 …
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, MA 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, 06371).
Editor’s Note: Visit this link to view the obituary published by Dignity Memorial.
