Charles Paul Giarraputo, 89, passed away on Thursday, January 31, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital-WNJ in Sherman, Texas following a brief illness. He was born on May 27, 1923 in Denison, Texas to Anthony Giarraputo and Nancy Bruno Giarraputo.
Charlie grew up in Denison, Texas, the youngest of 10 children in his family. He graduated from Denison High School in 1941. He served in the United States Army Air Corps from December 1942 through February 1946, graduating from the Rankin Aeronautical Academy in Tulare, California as an aviation cadet in 1944 and became a pilot. Flying became a lifelong love of Charlie's.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Austin College in 1950. He was the Real Property Officer at Perrin Air Force Base from 1960 to 1970 and at Sheppard Air Force Base from 1970 to 1972. From 1972 to 1973, he was an appraiser for North American Revaluation Company. Charlie worked as a county appraiser for Grayson County from 1974 and was certified by the State of Texas as a Registered Professional Appraiser in 1979. He joined the Grayson County Appraisal District when is was formed in 1981 retiring as Director of Administration in 1993, even though he returned when asked to help out, and "retired" at least three more times.
Charlie was a faithful member of St. Mary's Parish. He was also a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, and a charter member at the Perrin Air Force Base Museum. He was passionate about all types of music, from Big Band, to Jazz, to Western Swing, and played keyboard, drums and saxophone in some Western Swing bands, including "The Texans" that regularly appeared on a local live television program in the 1960's. He played at the Pacesetters Ballroom in Madill, Oklahoma, and weekly at the SNAP Center in Denison for several years. He was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.
When Charlie was attending Austin College he met the love of his life, Fredia Lee Wilson. Charlie and Fredia Lee were married in 1950 in Sherman, Texas in her mother's home, and were happily married for 46 years, until Fredia Lee's death. Charlie was always generous and tried to help people however he could. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor and role model to many people and will be greatly missed.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Nancy Giarraputo; his wife, Fredia Lee Giarraputo; brothers: Louis Giarraputo, Russell Giarraputo, Steve Giarraputo, Leonard Giarraputo, and Anthony Giarraputo Jr. and sisters: Angelina Maranto, Mary Giarraputo, Jeannine Tantillo, and Leannine Debner. He was also preceded by a granddaughter, Cassandra Scott, DVM.
Charlie is survived by his children, Jeannette Scott and her husband George, of Sherman, Tony Giarraputo and his wife Norma, of Sherman and Carol Butler and her husband Greg, of Denison. His grandchildren are Christopher Scott and his wife Jami, of Haslet, Texas; Kyle Butler, and Lauralee Butler of Denison, Texas. Charlie is also survived by a sister-in-law, Frances Bailey and husband Kenneth. Charlie has numerous nieces and nephews who were all special to him.
Rosary will be held at Dannel Funeral Home, 302 S. Walnut, in Sherman, Texas at 6 p.m., on Monday, February 4. The family will be greeting friends and relatives following the Rosary. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 5 with Father Jeremy Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarlawn Memorial Park, 5805 Texoma Parkway, Sherman, Texas. Pallbearers will be Dennis Francis, Daniel Crow, Johnny Todd, Jerry Jones, Don Booth, Lynn Mitchusson, Greg Krueger, and Charles Hollingsworth. Honary pallbearers will be members of the Perrin Air Force Base Museum.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Perrin Air Force Base Museum, 436 McCollum Ave., Denison, TX 75020 or the Cassandra Scott Scholarship fund at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine (checks payable to the Texas A&M Foundation with "Cassandra Scott Scholarship" included on the memo line). Checks/donations should be mailed to: College of Veterinary Medicine, Office of the Dean, 4461 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4461.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Charlie your the kindest, sweetest man I have ever met. You have touched my heart & life in so many ways. There is not one part of my heart you have not touched. I am going to remember our good times, memories & laughs we have shared over the years. I thank you for that. You are in a better place now and for that I am happy for you. You will ALWAYS BE LOVED & NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Gwen Light
February 5, 2013
There are very few men who make good role models, and even fewer that make great ones. Captain Giarraputo, as I know him, is one of those exemplary men who who can find an excellent role model in all areas of life. Even in my brief time of knowing him, he made a large impact on my life. I would not have become the man I am today if he had not recruited me into CAP years ago and encouraged me to continue to make it to Cadet Commander, and for that I'm very grateful. Praying for his family and dear friends, but happy that he is in a better place!
Russell Mozingo
February 5, 2013
Our prayers are with Charlie's family. He was such a great man and musician and was great inspiration to all our family members!
Claire and Darryle Dering
February 4, 2013
I remember when I was a young girl, he would be behind my parents(Bud and Margaret Hudnall) car as we were leaving the base at Perrin and he would always bump the car,if he knew I was in the backseat. He was a wonderful man and we moved before the base closed but several months ago I saw him at Wal-mart and he remembered me,even asked what kind of car I drove so he could bump me sometime if he saw me. I loved him like a Grandfather.He will be greatly missed.
Marla (Hudnall) Jones
February 4, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. I can only hope that you will find comfort knowing that Charles now resides in the house of the Lord. I will keep all of you in my prayers at this most difficult time. Peace be with all of you.
Craig Stephens
February 4, 2013
Tony so sorry to here about your dad.If i can do ant thing let me know Steve Mexia Jr...
February 4, 2013
Charlie was like a second dad to me. He was a role model, mentor and friend. I saw him two weeks ago and I am glad I got to tell him how much he meant to me and that I loved him. I will always hold a special place in my heart him.
Linda Mulkey (Dicoskey)
February 4, 2013
Charlie was a very sweet and funny man. I waited on him at MG's for several years! He always had a smile on his face, and truly cared about others. I am deeply sorry for such a huge loss!
He will always be remembered my many!
Brittany Townsend Orr
Brittany Townsend Orr
February 4, 2013
Mr. Giarraputo, as he always made me call him, was such caring man and always had the best sense of humor. He had to in order to put up with the friends of his son, Tony, as we were constantly as his home during our crazy high school years. Deep down we knew Mr. Giarraputo really cared about us and was there as a father-figure to all of us. I will truly miss him. My prayers and sympathy go out to Tony, Jeannette and Carol and family.
Rick Baze
February 4, 2013
What a wonderful man!!! He and my Dad were the best of friends. Most wonderful sense of humor. God Bless him and his family.
February 4, 2013
My condolances to the family.
Gene Short
February 4, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends! It's never easy to lose a loved one but even harder when they are as cool as Charlie! He will be missed by so many!
Angela Harding
February 4, 2013
Captain Giarraputo was a fine man and a great friend.He will be missed by all of us, from his knowledge to his great sense of humor. may God be with the family to comfort you and to remember the good times.
Jerry,Donna Jones
February 4, 2013
You will be greatly missed Mr.G!!!!
I learned allot from you and Mrs.G and I will love and adore both of you always....
Janet Teel
February 3, 2013
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