Charles R. Hnilicka

Charles R. Hnilicka, "Charley", age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the evening of Friday, May 6. Charley was born in Chester CT, March 16, 1929. Although he enjoyed travel and adventure, he lived most of his life within fifteen miles of his place of birth, a place he truly loved. Charley had a generous heart and a welcoming smile, making friends wherever he went. His personality lead him to work that rewarded honesty and service. He was also very devoted to his community through Rotary (50 years) and the Masons (72 years). Charley's love of friends and family, antique cars, snow machines and travel filled out his life. He never needed much persuasion to be off on an adventure. Sunny day drives in Gypsy, Black Beauty, Casper and others over the years. Traveling countless miles with friends on his snow machine in the far northeast. Logging literally millions of road trip miles for work and pleasure, or his many trips to Alaska where he traveled by train, light plane, dog team, snow machine, riverboat and tugboat. Charley is preceded in death by his parents Julia and Karl Hnilicka, his first wife Constance Hnilicka, second wife Betty "Peg" Hnilicka and son Karl Hnilicka II. He is survived by: his sister Barbara Lavezzoli, daughters Elaine "Lainie" Kertesz, Simone Hnilicka, Carol Doyle (Dan), daughter in law Julie Hnilicka-Karns, son Charles Hnilicka Jr, grandchildren Rachael Foss-Clark (Jesse), Zachary Kertesz, Zoli Kertesz, Vincent Hnilicka, Karl Hnilicka III, Julia Hnilicka, Mara Hnilicka, Charles Hnilicka III (Sarah), Maya Doyle, Jenny Doyle, great grandchildren Ryley and Otto McLaughlin, Boston, Asher & Calliope Clark. Nieces Julie (Lavezzoli) Purcell and Kathy (Lavezzoli) Milne and their families. Also stepson Ed Smith Jr (Nancy), step grandchildren Ed III (Tina) and Eric Smith, and step great-grandchildren Logan and Jared Smith. His family will receive relatives and friends at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown on Tuesday May 17, 2022 from 4 to 6 pm. A graveside service will be held Thursday May 19, 2022 at 11 am at The First Church of Christ Congregational, 499 Town Street, East Haddam. In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of "Charley" may be made to the Ray of Light Farm, 232 Town Street, East Haddam, CT 06423 rayoflightfarm.org