Charles F. Sarkis passed peacefully from Earth to Heaven on March 11, 2018, at the age of 78 after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He grew up in Milton, MA and was the only son of Abraham and Dorothy Sarkis. Charlie graduated from Georgetown University with his degree in Business and later his Master's from Boston College. It was during his time at Georgetown, while frequently dining out, that Charlie began dreaming of owning restaurants, a dream that he would go on to pursue and achieve. Charlie began his restaurant career in 1964, purchasing Boraschi's restaurant in Boston. He then opened Charley's on Newbury Street in 1970 and continued adding new restaurants and concepts along the East Coast, eventually creating one of Boston's largest and most successful restaurant groups, Back Bay Restaurant Group (BBRG). BBRG owned and operated over 40 restaurants, including 15 Joe's American Bar & Grill locations; 12 Papa Razzi restaurants and his flagship enterprise, Abe & Louie's, an award-winning steakhouse with locations in Boca Raton, FL and Boston. BBRG employed over 3,400 people, and Charlie took great pride in knowing he had contributed to his beloved city of Boston and helped build careers for his valuable employees. His focus was always on the "guest", by providing highest quality dining establishments,effectively changing the dining landscape and helping to regentrify the Back Bay. A dedicated entrepreneur, Charlie was also a former owner of Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, Mass. Charlie was married to the late Nancy Hennessy in 1964, from whom he was later divorced. He is survived by their children Nancy, Charles Jr., Paul, Patrick, Amy and Sarah and five grandchildren, Bailey, Holden, Chase, Luke and Finleigh and by his sister, Dorothy Morkis. In 1999, Charlie married Jolene Sykes and he is survived by her and her daughter, Kate and three grandchildren, Hunt, Raleigh and Davis. They made their second home in Palm Beach in 1999, and quickly shifted their work schedules and calendars to become permanent residents here. Above all, Charlie was a loving husband, father and friend who loved life and pursued the very best of it with passion and exuberance. He was a devout Christian, who generously shared his own faith and healing with others and lived life with purpose, feeling blessed for each and every day he was given. A Memorial Mass is scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, March 17th at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Palm Beach, FL.
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Charlie Sarkis, what can I say? You were one of the kindest and giving people I've ever met. Now the lord and everyone in heaven has the pleasure of getting to know you. Love and miss you...
Michael Binette
September 2, 2018
I was Charlie's private caregiver for a short time. I got to know him very well, he was one of the nicest caring people I've had the pleasure of caring for. He never once felt sorry for himself or complained. I will never forget the time we watche the documentary I like Killing Flies together. My last memory of Charlie was when I helped His wife Jolene get him back to Palm Beach. Charlie you will be missed. Love and respect. Michael in RI
Michael
September 2, 2018
God bless you Charlie RIP
I ENJOYED YOUR FRIENDSHIP FOR 50 yrs
Also the many rounds of golf we played through the yrs
May your soul Rest In Peace
Mike Wortis
Mike Wortis
April 17, 2018
To family you are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences
2. Thessalonians 3:16
Wanda S. Ohio
March 27, 2018
Charlie, my husband, Tracey Raisis will never forget you. He was one of your first bartenders at Charlie's Eating and Drinking Saloon in Boston in the 1970's. When Tracey returned to Boston in 1996 you went to the Capital Grille and said "Greek, you have to work for me, whatever it takes". You knew that my husband was gifted and he would be the "Mayor of Boston after 5PM". In 2014 Tracey had a stroke and is still recovering. This week I heard of your passing and Tracey could not stop crying. You were a true friend and inspiration to Tracey for over 50 years. RIP, Charlie, Karen and Tracey Raisis.
Karen & Tracey Raisis
Friend
March 19, 2018
Jolene, Charles Jr, Patrick, Amy and the entire Sarkis family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Over the entirety of our lives, I believe you only get to meet a few great men. Charles was one of them. I believe his is in Heaven rearranging the dining room. May he rest in peace.
Paul Flaherty
March 18, 2018
Mark Hall
March 18, 2018
My Deepest Condolences to the Family of Mr. Sarkis...I have had the pleasure of working in one his busiest & most successful restaurants for the past 20 years...Joe's American Bar&Grill (Mall@Short Hills)..although Joe's&Papa Razzi will be closing soon, I'll be leaving having learned the Restaurant business from "The Best"! Being committed to serving "Great Food & Drink" & providing "Over-the-Top Hospitality" helped JOE's Short Hills remain the favorite dining spot for hundreds of families for a Quarter of a Century...pretty impressive...all of whom are sad to see it coming to an end. This is a testament to the High Standards Mr. Sarkis insisted upon...I'm glad I got to play for one of the most successful teams Short Hills, New Jersey will ever see...Thank you, Charles & May You Rest in Peace.
Sincerely, William J. Casalino, aka "Bon Appetit"-Expeditor
William Casalino
March 17, 2018
Mr. Sarkis thank you for all you did for me and my family. Working for you was a life changing experience. Thank you for all that you taught me. Kizito Paganini
Kizito Paganini
Coworker
March 14, 2018
Dear Mrs Sarkis,
I am very sorry for your loss..
Mr Sarkis was simply the best and the classiest person known to men.
May he Rest In Peace in heaven forever.
With deepest sympathy & highest respect,
Ming (BBRG dba Coach Grill)
Ming Jung
Friend
March 13, 2018
I worked for Charlie Sarkis at 3 different restaurant locations since high school. He was a true gentleman and class act. He took time each and every day to say hello and chat with staff members. The respect he showed us, is reflected in the respect we all feel for him. He created a team in each establishment with his caring nature and problem solving compassion. I have missed him for a while now and will keep his memory in my heart. There will never be another restaurant empire in Massachusetts that will compare. My condolences to all his family members. May he rest in peace.
Janice Holt
Coworker
March 13, 2018
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