Charles Sirisky Sr.

SIRISKY, SR., Charles Charles Buddy Sirisky entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 1, 2008, All Saints Day. He was born September 26, 1934 in Charleston, SC to Charles A. Sirisky and Ethel White Sirisky. Buddy attended grammar school at St. Joseph's in old Ansonborough, and graduated from Bishop England High School in 1955. He was united in marriage to Margie Harvey, his beloved sweetheart and soulmate since 7th Grade, at Blessed Sacrament Church on November 22, 1956. Buddy was a passionate, proud and dedicated leader for his church, community, and family. He was a loving husband of 52 years, a devoted father, grandfather, brother and loyal friend. His interests were inexhaustible in every way he could serve people. He never met a stranger and gave everyone an aura in which to shine. He loved the lowcountry especially gigging for flounder. He had a broad taste in music, played the trumpet and loved to sing. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater Bishop England, where among his many athletic achievements he played on its undefeated football team in 1955. He served as the president of the Triple B club for many years and initiated many programs still in use today. His love of life and people will leave a vacuum in the lives for all those many who knew him, loved him and were touched by him. Buddy is survived by his wife Margie; four sons and two daughters: son, Charles and wife Kay Sirisky of Hollywood, SC, Tommy Sirisky; daughter, Peggy Sirisky-Merrill and husband Cary Merrill; son, Bruce and wife Tracy Sirisky; son, Brian and wife Liz Sirisky; and daughter, Jennie Sirisky-Rhodes and husband Derrick Rhodes, all of Charleston. He was affectionately known as Boompa by his grandchildren, Robbie and Andrew Schwoerer, Margie Rhodes, Sam and Daniel Engel, Madison Sirisky-Merrill, Haley and Hanna Sirisky, Mary Grace and Caroline Sirisky, Jeremy and Nathan Thomson. He is also survived by sister, Carolyn and husband Joseph Brissette of Sanford, Maine; brother, Ronnie and his wife Linda Sirisky of Charleston; beloved aunt, Elsie Sirisky Holtslander, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Buddy was devout Catholic and active member of Blessed Sacrament Church. He was an early member of its Choir and one of its first Cantors. He served with reverent leadership, dedication and personal devotion as Director of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, which recently celebrated its 23rd year anniversary. He was a Captain and Special Services Officer of the Washington Light Infantry and President of B Company. He was an active member of Charleston Elk's Lodge 242 where he was Exalted Ruler for the year 2000 and 2004-2005 Elk of the Year, as well as, State Elk of the year 2004-2005. He also served as South Carolina Elks Association Chairman for the State Major Project supporting the Alzheimer's Association where he pioneered a significant level of contributions on behalf of this noble cause. He was a long time member of The Notre Dame Club and honored as 2002 recipient for Outstanding Commitment to Community Service and Spirit of Volunteerism. He was formerly a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus while living in Augusta, GA .He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Sacrament Council, He served a 5-year Apprenticeship program in Plumbing and Pipefitting at the Savannah River Plant and attended the University of Georgia where he received his Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Memorial gifts may be made in his honor to South Carolina Elk's Alzheimer's Association, c/o Jim Stringfield, State Treasurer, 411 Adams Mills Rd., Mauldin, SC 29662; Blessed Sacrament Church, 5 St. Theresa Dr., Charleston, SC 29407; or The Bishop England Endowment Fund, 363 Sevens Farm Dr, Daniel Island, SC. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Sirisky, Sr. are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will be at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The Family will receive friends on Tuesday evening between 5:00 and 8:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home 1620 Savannah Hwy. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC., 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.