Charles Edward Smith

SMITH, CHARLES EDWARD "CHARLIE" - Passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on March 19, 2013. Charlie has joined his wife "Queen" Marie, who passed away 6 years ago after 67 years of wedded bliss. Charlie is survived by his son, Charlie Smith, of Hong Kong; his daughter Sharon Charlton of Santa Rosa; his sisters: Margie (age 102) and Joan. His grandchildren: Sherry Mylar of Moscow, Idaho; April Querica of Santa Rosa; David Charlton of Grand Rapids; Charles Smith of Shanghai; and Sean Smith of Singapore. His great grandchildren: Bryan, Katye, Shayne, Declyn, Michael, Nicole, David, Daniel, Devin, and more, no doubt, who will unfortunately, never be able to know "Grandpa." Charlie had to drop out of school at age 16 after his father died and left him at the start of the Depression to support his mother and four sisters in Harlem. Years of struggle and survival followed. Things slowly improved and Charlie met and married his "Queen." Charlie enlisted in the Seabees after Pearl Harbor and survived his ship sinking at Leyte Gulf. After the war, Charlie brought his family to Phoenix, and devoted himself to his "Queen" and children, and established himself as a juvenile furniture sales representative. Love flowed freely from Charlie in all directions: his "Queen," children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, neighbors, church, business associates, and, frankly, everyone Charlie met. Charlie will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Star of the Valley Catholic Church (545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa [Oakmont], CA, 95409). Private interment; Calvary Catholic Cemetery; Santa Rosa, CA.