CHARLES FAMA

CHARLES S. FAMA  
Of Ashburn, VA, long-time resident of Vienna, VA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 12, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of 64 years of Marie Fama (Rispoli); loving father of Stephen (Peggy) of Elizabethtown, PA, Diane of Fair Lawn, NJ, and Annette of Raleigh, NC; beloved grandfather of Austin Jarred and Lane Jarred, both of Raleigh, NC.  Charlie was born June 25, 1931, in New York, New York, the son of the late Salvator A. Fama and Helen Fama (Mihalik) of New York City. He was predeceased by his sister Kitty Valdez of New York City and is survived by his sister Louise Mahoney, of St. Petersburg, FL. He was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School in New York City. He received his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College and his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University. Charlie spent his professional career in the electrical engineering and telecommunications fields with Sperry, MELPAR Incorporated, Computer Sciences Corporation and MITRE Corporation. Charlie's favorite pastimes were fishing, woodworking and rooting for his favorite teams, the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees. His greatest joy was always spending time in the company of his family. The light of his smile and the twinkle of his blue eyes when surrounded by his loved ones told them all how much they were treasured. His generous soul and selflessness made him a valued mentor and friend. Charlie's corny jokes and upbeat spirit will be missed by all.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A family celebration of Charlie's life will be held at Ashby Ponds, Ashburn, Virginia, at a future date.