Charles 'Chick' Wotton

Charles "Chick" Wotton, of East Providence, passed away on Jan. 6, 2013, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was one of Rhode Island's most successful auctioneers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Irene (Gomes) Wotton of East Providence. He was born into a family of auctioneers and appraisers with a particular expertise on rare and priceless antiques.

He founded Imperial Mover's, as well as Charles W. Wotton Auctioneer and Appraiser, Inc. He worked closely with world renowned Parke-Bernet of New York (now Sotheby's), Christie's and leading trust and estate attorneys throughout New England to handle notable estates that contained prestigious collections of art, furniture and rare collectibles.

His auctions were often held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Edgewood, Cranston. He loved ice-skating and played semi-professional hockey in Canada as a young man. Later on, he coached his son and sponsored several teams.

He also was an avid race-car driver and participated in many competitions. He also loved thoroughbreds and dogs, and he was a lifelong fan of boating and the outdoors, earning the nickname "Captain".

He is survived by seven children: Charles "Rocco" Wotton, Lisa Wotton, Michelle (Richard) Beattie, Christine (Ron) Wilkes, Robyn Wotton, Heather Wotton and Brooke (John) Pudloski, and nine loving grandchildren: Britni, Allee and Ashley Beattie; Emily Wotton; Sarah, Kelli and Nolan Wilkes; Jacqueline Lee, and Charlotte Pudloski.

He is the brother of the late Frederick Wotton Jr., Frank "Bud" Wotton, and Mary "Marie" Brown and is survived by his sister, Dianne K. "Candy" Weaver and many loving nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are today, Jan. 10, from 5 to 8 pm at Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday, Jan. 11, at 9 am in Perry-McStay with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Sacred Heart Church, Taunton Avenue, East Providence.

Burial will be in Mt. St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Nurses, 21 Chapel Street, Newport RI, 02840.