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Charles Parlato Obituary

Charles Parlato Oak Park, CA Charles Parlato of Oak Park, CA passed away Saturday, September 8, 2007. He is survived by wife, Margaret (Peggy) Parlato, three sons: David (Lisa) Parlato of Santa Fe, NM, Dennis Parlato of New York, NY and Chris (Abby) Parlato of Stockton, CA; two daughters, Susan (Michael) Archie of Cedar Lake, IN and Paula (Benny) McNulty of West Lake Village, CA. Charlie was blessed with 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A man of great spirit, always a happy heart and truly devoted to his music, Charlie Parlato was a member of the Lawrence Welk Orchestra for 25 years. A true professional who brought warmth, laughter and great fun in his performances. We shall remember The "Hotsy-Totsy" Boys, and who can forget Charlie's Comedic Antics with the great piano gal, Joanne Castle. We shall keep a song in our hearts, Charlie. A celebration of Mr. Parlatos life will take place on Monday, September 17, 2007 in West Lake, CA. Internment Assumption Cemetery. Arrangements by: Aabbey Memorial Funeral Home, Oxnard CA. In lieu of flowers make donations to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-0050.

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Published by The Times from Sep. 13 to Sep. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Parlato

19 Entries

Mary Jean Parlato

December 19, 2024

I might be related!!

Dave

September 22, 2007

My condolences to the Parlato family.
Like countless others, I enjoyed the musical and comedic talents which Charlie shared with us!

Martin McQuade

September 19, 2007

I was so saddened by the passing of the marvelously gifted Charlie Parlato. I have derived so much pleasure over the years from his many talents; most particularly from his outstanding performances as part of Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires backing Bing Crosby on numerous recordings and broadcasts. It was a sorrowful coincidence that I learned of his passing while researching an article I am preparing on The Rhythmaires for "Bing" Magazine, published by The International Club Crosby. I know that I speak on behalf of the club, and our honorary president, Kathryn Crosby, in conveying to the Parlato Family our most heartfelt sympathies.It is comforting to think of Mr. Parlato blending in heaven with Bing Crosby and fellow Rhythmaires Jud Conlon, Loulie Jean Norman, Gloria Wood and Mac Mclean.
Thank you for so much musical joy.

JOAN AND JULIAN P. ANDERSON

September 18, 2007

WE TOO WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES AND SINCERE SYMPATHY TO MARGARET PARLATO AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY.
WE HAVE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY HIS TALENTS ON OUR LAWRENCE WELK MUSICAL FAMILY RECORDINGS FOR YEARS TO COME. YOU COULD ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO CHARLIE'S HUMOR AND OUTSTANDING ABILITIES.
CHARLIE WILL BE JOINING THE OTHER FORMER MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE WELK MUSICAL FAMILY AND WAITING FOR US TO ARRIVE TO ENJOY THEIR GREAT SHOWS.

Diane Sparling

September 16, 2007

I remember him well from watching he and his sons on the Lawrence Welk show. He always had a great smile and appeared very personable. It was amazing how tall and talented his sons were

Shannon & Lou Ann Reed

September 16, 2007

I can see Charlie walking across the culdusac to our house. Sometimes carrying Peggy's cinnamon rolls, other times bringing a tape or LP of his music he wanted made into a CD, and other times just for a visit. Charlie had that special smile and sense of playfulness that kept him young and endeared him to all who had the privelege of meeting him. Lou Ann and I will miss him greatly. Our love to Peggy and family.

Kristen

September 15, 2007

I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Parlato. How wonderful his memory will live on.

Lynn

September 14, 2007

Papa Charlie loved his family and friends, we were blessed to have shared some great family-get-to gethers with him. We will miss his special little smile and that twinkle in his eyes when we gather.
Ken & Lynn Jarbeau

Marie Blackwell

September 14, 2007

How much we enjoyed all the things he did on the Lawrence Welk Show. He brought us so much happiness.

Molly & Howard Grimm

September 14, 2007

We want to express our deep sympathy to Mrs. Parlato, and the children and grandchildren of Charlie. He was a wonderful entertainer, and is now enjoying his rewards with all the other music makers who have gone on before.

Debbi Duenas

September 14, 2007

Papa Charlie always had a smile on his face and a "How you doing?" when he came to see you.
It's so nice to see people remembering his love of music and trumpet playing from the Lawrence Welk Days. I'm sure he would be so pleased to know that he was able to bring pleasure into people's lives through his music.
He had a great little chuckle when he laughed and I think the world got to see it!
He was surrounded by much love from his family before his passing which I know had to be of great comfort to him!
He was married for 63 years to Grandma Peggy and he was very proud of those 63 years!

We will miss you Papa Charlie!

Jill Pleshek

September 14, 2007

Charlie will always remain in my memory playing with Bob Lido in the wonderful Hotsy Totsy Boys band. I will dearly miss them both. I am so glad we have Lawrence Welk on PBS so we can see them all again. You have my deepest sympathy.

Kay Standifird

September 14, 2007

May God comfort all of you at this time of loss. Charlie is with the Lord now. I enjoyed many years of watching him sing, play his trumpet and the skits he did with different Welk family members. He brought joy to many.

My prayers are with you.

Kay Standifird

Melanie Young

September 14, 2007

Dear Parlato Family,
Charlie was such a joy and he leaves an amazing legacy of music to us. Thank you for sharing him with us with such grace and love. My condolences to you. I wish God's utmost blessings upon you.

pam davidson

September 14, 2007

sorry for your loss

pamdavidson

[email protected]

James Mancuso

September 14, 2007

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Parlato Family. I got a kick out of Charlie's comedic antics on the Lawrence Welk Show and to me, he was the epitome of what a top notch musician should be. Please be assured that he is now playing in the finest band there is, God's Great Big Swinging Band. God bless you all.

Deon Masker

September 14, 2007

To Charlie's family,

My husband and I send our love and condolences at this time of Charlie moving to Heaven and leaving you temporarily behind.

Having watched the Lawrence Welk show since it first came to TV in the 1950's and now on watching it on Public Television, we will always remember how much fun it was when Charlie did his non-trumpet performances. His singing and clowning around with the other band members was always so entertaining. His trumpet playing was a joy to watch, too, and luckily we will still be able to see him perform for many years to come.

Although the physical separation must surely be painful at this time, I'd like to think that he would send you the following message so eloquently defined in the following poem:
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember, there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is o'er,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you, too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night....."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

©Copyright 1998-2007

I hope the above eases a bit of your pain today. Surely Charlie must be rejoicing in the reuniting of all those dear to him in his personal family as well as those of his Welk Family who went before him.

May you all be blessed and comforted with the knowlege of how much Charlie was loved by us, the audience.

Most sincerely and with love,

Deon

Claire Cook

September 13, 2007

Dear Parlato family, So sorry for your loss. Mr. Parlato gave so many wonderful performances on the LW show. I enjoyed him so much as did many others. He was one of my favorites! I will always remember him.

Joshua Burnham

September 13, 2007

I like to send my prayers and condolences to Charlie's family, I watched him many times on the Lawrence Welk Show and he was a very talented musician and wunnerful comic in the show's novelty numbers. He's now in a happy place, back together again with the Maestro and his pals Larry Hooper, Bob Lido, Kenny Trimble and all the fellas in the band....making sweet champagne music this side of heaven.

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