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Charles John Gardella, Sr.
Madison
Charles John Gardella, Sr., 81, died Monday, April 8, 2013. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2012 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe, MI. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
Chuck was born on January 5, 1932 in Detroit, MI; the son of the late George A. Gardella and Rose B. Gardella.
He graduated from the University of Detroit High School where he was captain of the football team. During the summer before college, he met the love of his life, Frances Townsend, whom he soon married. Chuck continued his education at Notre Dame, where he spent his freshman year and was a member of the football team. He graduated from the University of Detroit. A veteran, Chuck served his country as a member of the US Marine Corps Reserve. He moved to Chicago in 1971 with Beatrice Foods where he served as Vice President. After working for Beatrice Foods and Central Telephone, he moved to Boca Raton, FL in 1987. In 1991 Chuck moved to Mississippi with LDDS (later WorldCom) in Government Affairs, where he retired. He loved living in Mississippi.
An avid sailor, Chuck won the 1963 Transatlantic Race as a member of the "Ondine," the Bermuda and Mackinac Race among others. He was an avid sports fan.
Chuck was a communicant of St. Richard Catholic Church. He loved spending time with friends, family and lived life to the fullest.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Townsend Gardella, son, Frank Townsend Gardella, sisters, Beatrice Shafer (John), Geraldine Lilly (Jack) and Barbara Conway (Dean).
Survivors include son, Charles John Gardella, Jr. and wife Clare of Evanston, IL; daughter, Georganne Rexford and husband John of Dallas, TX; son, Thomas Charles Gardella and wife Amy of Winnetka, IL; grandchildren, Caroline, Margaret, and Charlie Gardella of Evanston, IL; Charlie Rexford of Dallas, TX; James, Charlie and Tommy Gardella of Winnetka, IL; brother, George Gardella and wife Patti of Grosse Pointe, MI and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities 200 N Congress St Ste 100, Jackson, MS 39201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Chuck was a true friend, whose joy and laughter are my predominant memories of him. Whenever we could get together all other troubles seemed to be set aside and we simply enjoyed one another. Sir Charles will be deeply missed. May he know the joy and peace of God's love and presence for eternity. Our sympathy and prayers are with Chuck's family.
Mike & Amy Ward
April 10, 2013
God is near to those that are broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. God will sustain you and help you to endure.
April 10, 2013
Chuck spread so much warmth wherever he went that the world will continue to be a much sunnier place because he passed through. I miss you already.
Jule Ward
April 10, 2013
Chuck was a wonderful boss and friend. He will be missed by all of his Mississippi friends and past co-workers. He called us his "girls" and was always very kind and giving, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, "Chuck's WorldCom Regulatory Girls"
Leigh Ann Cox
April 10, 2013
Chuck captured our hearts the moment we met him...like we were lifelong friends. His passing makes a big void in all our lives. He is missed. My sympathy to his family.
Susie Brunet
Lafayette, Louisiana
April 10, 2013
What a gift! Chuck's smile and easy demeanor was such a blessing to his Cajun friends. We will miss him. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family now.
Carolyn Artall
April 9, 2013
We LOVED Mr. Wonderful! Chuck added light and fun to every gathering, whether it was in someone's kitchen, patio or the finest New Orleans restaurant. In Louisiana he was known for his joi de vivre (joy of life). We consider ourselves blessed to have known him and send our prayers of support to all of his family. God Bless the Little Flower.
Claire Thom
April 9, 2013
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