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Charles N. Canestro

Charles Canestro Obituary

CANESTRO, CHARLES N. (Age 80)

Of Leesburg, VA, formerly of Gettysburg, PA on May 17, 2005. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Noreen; children, Noreen Exum of Fairfax, VA, Donna Feerst of Springfield, VA and Sandra Biechlin of Trenton, NJ; grandchildren, Michele, Sherri, Holly, Clayton, Robbie, Bradley and Joseph and great-grandchildren Emily, Natalie, Megan and Amy. A Memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Capitol Hospice, 9300 Lee Hwy., 5th Floor, Fairfax, VA 22031.

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Published by The Washington Post on May 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Canestro

12 Entries

Sue Holz

May 25, 2005

Since Chuck retired, I have missed our chats in the mailroom of Glatfelter while trying to get the FAX machine to work. Those memories have now become real treasures to me. Chuck was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. My sincere sympathies to Noreen and the entire Canestro family.

Barbara Heisler

May 23, 2005

I share a special bond with Chuck as we both started to work in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in 1989. I will always remember Chuck for his kindness, good humor, positive outlook and patience. He was always there when I rushed in the office in the morning needing some things copied for class within ten minutes. We will all miss his steady presence and share the best of memories of a wonderful and kind man.

Donald Hinrichs

May 23, 2005

After retiring from Gettysburg College and moving to Montreal in 2004, life without Chuck (and Noreen) has been one of the biggest voids in my life. Chuck was a friend, a colleague, and an inspiration. I can't imagine what it would have been like while chairing the Department of Sociology and Anthropology if Chuck had not been there to share the challenges that were thrust upon us daily. Chuck was an inspiration because of his energy, dedication, and attitude toward work and all those with whom he came in contact. I have missed Chuck and will continue to do so. Our sincere sympathy to Noreen and all members of Chuck's family. Noreen, we wish you all the best.

Don Hinrichs and Ghani Ben Rafalia

Chris Loveland

May 22, 2005

Frank and I always enjoyed getting together with Chuck and Noreen. Chuck's love of family, his sense of humor, and his wide range of interests made him a joy to be around. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

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Chuck and Noreen after his retirement luncheon at Gettysburg College May 2004

May 21, 2005

Loretta Cleveland

May 20, 2005

Several times during the year Chuck and Noreen would join the Glatfelter Hall 'gang' for lunch. Chuck’s good cheer was infectious and his kind heartedness appreciated. We miss you both, Noreen. You and your family are in my prayers at this time of loss. God bless.

Nancy Johnson

May 20, 2005

I will miss Chuck. I enjoyed working with him when he was here at Gettysburg College. He was a great guy!

Nancy(Media Services)

Frank Loveland

May 19, 2005

Chuck was a kind, hardworking friend. His knowledge of baseball

was far ranging and his love of the Redskins and old movies is well-known. His devotion to his family and all the different generations was unparalleled. He went about his job quietly. I will miss him greatly. Frank Loveland, Professor Emeritus, Gettysburg College

Jean Potuchek

May 19, 2005

Chuck ran the office for the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Gettysburg College for 15 years. He joined the department in 1989, not long after he "retired" from government service and he and Noreen moved to Gettysburg. Of course, it's probably no surprise to anyone who knew Chuck that his response to retirement was to go out and get a job! He loved to work and often put in many more hours than he was being paid for. Indeed, I think the only things that could keep him away from work were his big-screen tv and video collection (especially the Three Stooges) and his family. I always knew if I came into the office in the evening or on the weekend and Chuck was at his desk working that Noreen must be out of town.

Chuck personified the ideals of customer service, and he always went out of his way to be helpful to department faculty members, to students, and to anyone who wandered into the office or who called on the phone. Occasionally, he would get a bit carried away with his helpfulness; one time, he tried to get the telephone number of the hospital where I was undergoing surgery so that he could transfer a call from someone who was anxious to speak with me! Even when he was dealing with his own health challenges, Chuck was always a cheerful presence in the office. He was generous with his time, his effort, and his good humor, and I think we all came to think of him as part of our family. We will miss him.

Chuck and Charlie Emmons in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Gettysburg College, September 2004

May 19, 2005

Joseph A Donnella II

May 19, 2005

My condolences and prayers are with you!

Charles Emmons

May 19, 2005

Chuck was (is) a great guy. He never knew the meaning of "can't". He always had a positive view of things, and when he came up against a personal challenge, he'd say, "I'm gonna beat this." "Top o' the mornin'," Chuck!

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