July 16, 1960 — August 27, 2024
Charles P. Gazzara IV of Windham, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully in Reading, Massachusetts, on August 27th with family by his side. He was 64 years of age.
Chuck was a loving father to his son Ben of Windham, New Hampshire; a beloved son to Charles P. Gazzara III of Woburn, Massachusetts; a treasured brother to Sharon Stevans and her husband Mike of Cortland, New York, Theresa Gazzara and her husband Chuck of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Amy Cole and her husband Jack of Reading, Massachusetts; a dear Uncle to Cat Stevans, Chris and Eric Gaulke, and Alyssa and Jackie Cole. Chuck was predeceased by his loving mother Louise Gazzara (Wright) and sister Deborah Gazzara.
Chuck was born in Melrose and lived in Reading, but later moved to Medford where he made lifelong friends. In his early life he also enjoyed time at his grandparents farm in Upstate New York and at his parents cottage on Bow Lake in New Hampshire.
He went to the Medford Vocational High School and then graduated from Northeastern University as an engineer. He spent most of his career working at Ametek and, more recently, at Optics One.
His love of travel was inspired and fostered by his parents. Chuck also enjoyed the outdoors, building and fixing anything from cars to boats to absolutely everything around the house. Chuck was an extremely generous person and did much of this work for others. He treasured his time with family and friends, and he loved all animals, especially his cats.
Throughout his more than two year struggle with glioblastoma, he was able to enjoy the company of family and friends, some nice trips, good food and drink, boat rides, walks, and time with his son. He maintained his ability to live in the moment until the very end.
We will miss his joy, his infectious laugh, his lively dancing, his huge heart and his zest for life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday September 21st at 11am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading at 239 Woburn Street, Reading MA. Friends and family will be welcome to share memories or stories during the service, or they can be sent to his sister Amy at acole27@comcast.net and she can share them. A reception and light lunch in Fellowship Hall at the church will follow the service.
Donations may be made in memory of Chuck to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or to Sawtelle Family Hospice House Donations.
