Rockland — Charles Wilbert Snow Jr., 89, passed away peacefully Sept. 2, 2012, at the Knox Center for Long Term Care. The son of former Connecticut Gov. Wilbert Snow and Jeannette Simmons of Middletown, Conn., he was born in Middletown and spent summers on Spruce Head Island. He served in the Navy during World War II and graduated from Wesleyan University in 1947 and Boston University Law School in 1950.

A lifelong resident of Middletown, Conn., he had a successful general law practice for over 50 years. He served as a probate judge (1950s), was appointed as public defender (1970s) and was recognized by the city for his pro bono work. He was a member of the Elks Club (Grand Exalted Ruler, 1968). Deeply involved in local politics, he was elected to the Board of Education 1955 to 1981.

Mr. Snow was an avid skier and sailor. He participated in many sailing races and cruising vacations with his family and friends from the Connecticut shoreline to the coast of Maine. He was a member of Baldwin Yacht Club and Middlesex Yacht Club, (Commodore, 1970).

In 1947 Mr. Snow married Elizabeth Louise Brown of Cromwell, Conn., who predeceased him in 2002. He was predeceased by two brothers, Donald Ledyard and Stephen Hopkins Snow; and a daughter, Margot Jeanne.

He is survived by his brothers, John Snow and wife, Lyn, of South Thomaston, Nicholas Snow and wife, Catharine Baker, of Spruce Head Island, and Gregory Snow of South Thomaston; his children, Kathleen Snow of Pocatello, Idaho, Peter Snow of San Rafael, Calif., Diane Snow and husband, Vincent del Piano, of Vienna, Maine, Christine Snow and husband, Thomas Feraco, of Melrose, Mass., Michele Snow of South Paris, Maine, and Carol Snow, of Kearny, N.J.; his three grandchildren, Frederico Snow and wife, Alyssa, of Chicago, Ill., and Taylor and Rachel Feraco of Melrose, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

He married Lorraine Dubee of Chester, Conn. (1985-1990), then married Elizabeth Pattee until 2000. He lived with his longtime companion, Britt Stanton of Clinton, Conn., until 2010.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Knox Center and Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice for their wonderful care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Knox Center, Employee Continuing Education Fund, 6 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.

A graveside service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery, Route 73, South Thomaston on Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. The family is planning a memorial gathering in Middletown, Conn., at a later date. Go to www.directcremationofmaine.com for online condolences.