New York/Florida/Fairfield - Charles Barker Payne, 34, of New York passed away on January 7, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
He was born June 25, 1982 in Bridgeport, Connecticut and was raised in Fairfield, Connecticut where he attended school during his elementary years. He graduated from Fairfield Country Day School in 1998. "Charlie" then attended Deerfield Academy, graduating in 2001. Seeking a college education in the south, he graduated from the College of Charleston in 2005. After a couple of years with Clear Channel Communications, Charlie earned his Master of Arts graduate degree in Documentary Journalism from New York University in 2011.
He was employed by Sports Illustrated and CNN Money before deciding to be an independent contractor in the media industry. In October 2015, he married Rebecca, "the love of his life", in Newport, Rhode Island.
Everyone loved Charlie and he became a friend to everyone. He had a passion for music, becoming an accomplished pianist and guitar player. During his pre-college days, Charlie enjoyed signing on as an actor in many school plays, as well as performances with summer playhouse theatre, including ones held in Newport, Rhode Island and Fairfield, Connecticut. He loved being in front of an audience. For many years, Charlie, with his sister Emily, sang in the choir at Trinity Church, Southport, Connecticut.
The Strunk Funeral Home of Vero Beach, Florida is handling the arrangements. Memorial services will be held later this year in Newport and Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlie's memory can be made to the music/theatre department of Fairfield Country Day School, 2970 Bronson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.