My name is Charlese and I am raising funds to help my family lay my dad, Charles, to rest. Sadly, my father passed away at 12:13 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. He leaves behind my mother, myself, my sister, and nephew to whom he would give the world if he could.

My dad, Charles, or “Papa” as I lovingly called him, was diagnosed with a rare digestive cancer of the biliary ducts which affects only 3% of people 65 or older to which he was diagnosed at the age of 64. We believe this may have come from time served in the military. He underwent many medical treatments in an attempt to give him a chance at a full life. Due to the number of treatments and surgeries, he was admitted to the hospital. Just as things were looking up and he was awaiting discharge on Tuesday, unfortunately, things quickly changed and before we knew it, he was taken from us too soon. He wanted to live til he was 103 just like his grandmother did. Only 2 months shy of his 66th birthday, our family is left incomplete; missing our patriarch and half of the glue that holds our family together.

For those who knew my dad, he was a vibrant life with so much love to give to everyone he met. He loved baseball, hockey, cars, he was truly a Marine (the few, the proud, always Sempre Fi!) but first and foremost, he was a family man and a man of God. God was evident all the time with him and in his life, our dad did not fear death because he knew when it was his time he’d be in a better place instilling in us to make the best choices and the most of our lives. He strived every day to be the best husband, father, and grandfather he could be to us. He welcomed everyone with a smile and laugh that could light up a room. Although we loved to tease each other as most families do, he truly earned the nickname “Chatty Charles”. Always willing to help wherever he could, he loved to be a good neighbor even if it met over-extending himself. Knowing he was able to lend to those in need made it worth it. My parents hosted foreign exchange students for many years and was loved by them still to this day. He will always be a second dad for them because of the way he made them feel so at home. He looked forward to the day his health improved enough so he’d be able to travel and visit with them once again.

Due to his illness, he became a disabled nonretired inactive veteran. He did not get to return back to his job as an Aviation Mechanic at the USMC Miramar base, a job he loved doing with his colleagues and looking forward to retiring at 70. Coming from a long line of military families and as a former service member of the Marine Corps, my Papa will be laid to rest locally in Miramar National Cemetery, however, the aid that he was under the impression would be provided to my mother after he passed, is not able to cover the funeral expenses in its entirety.

If you could find it in your hearts to donate, my family and I will be deeply appreciative of any assistance. My dad was so giving of his time and love and we want to be able to respect his final wishes and send him off in a way that would truly honor him.