Charles E. Pedonti

CHARLES E. PEDONTI  
Charles E. Pedonti passed away peacefully on March 1, 2012 surrounded by his wife, Jeannine and loving family. Charles was born on July 9, 1926 to the late John and Mary Pedonti in Hull, Massachusetts where he spent his childhood. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence and brothers, Michael, Peter and John. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeannine; son, Patrick (Pamela) of West Hartford CT; daughter, Claudine (Ross) Horrocks of Cumming, GA; his grandchildren whom he adored, Victoria of Washington, DC, Madeleine (Michael) Peaslee of Texas, Taedra of New York City and Ian Horrocks of Cumming, GA. They all loved their Papi.As a young man, Charles joined the army to serve his country in World War II. He received a purple heart for his valor. On VE Day in Paris he met the love of his life, Jeannine Madeleine Beguin and it all began with him borrowing her bicycle. Charles stayed on in Paris to work in the U.S. Embassy and then the U.S. State Department. He learned French quickly to marry Jeannine and was welcomed by her large family and she in his.Charles had a most interesting life and he embraced it. During his 33-year career with the U.S. State Department, he served in Jerusalem, Turkey, Washington DC, Tunisia, Republic of Benin, Thailand, Cambodia, Austria and the Dominican Republic. With his work he traveled to many more countries worldwide. Upon retirement from the State Department, he worked for oil companies in West Africa.Charles and Jeannine settled in Alpharetta, GA in 1986. They devoted themselves to their family and friends. They were members of the Atlanta/Cotonou Sister City Committee. He loved photography and had an extensive African art collection. There was no one quite like Charlie and his impressive humor. Charlie always had a joke to tell. He was one of a kind, making his grandchildren know what it was to be loved unconditionally and will be greatly missed.He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on March 13, 2012. Donations can be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society in lieu of flowers.Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.