BORN

1932

DIED

2013

Charles Gardella Obituary

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.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Apr. 10, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gardella

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Charles Gardella's name

Memorial Events
for Charles Gardella

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Charles's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Gardella's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more