BILEZIKIAN, Charles G. Of Osterville, Boston and Palm Beach, 79, died on July 26, 2016 of pancreatic cancer. He was the loving and devoted husband of Doreen (Portnoy) Bilezikian to whom he was married for 52 years. Chuck attended the public schools in Newton, MA and graduated from Suffolk University. Following graduation he began a lifelong career in retail. In 1970 he bought a small seasonal business on Cape Cod called "The Christmas Tree Shops" as a means of supporting his young family. He and his family worked long hours to make the company grow from a small seasonal company to a thriving year-round business which grew to become one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Northeast.

Chuck lived life joyfully and to the fullest. He was inquisitive about everything and everyone around him. He was devoted to his family. He and Doreen travelled the world together. He loved to celebrate his birthday and he especially loved Christmas. He was engaging, enthusiastic, thoughtful, loyal and generous. He was loved by all who knew him and admired for his honesty, integrity and humor. His handshake was his word. His family was his life. His love and special legacy will live on in the countless memories his family and his many friends will carry in their hearts.

Chuck is survived by his wife Doreen, a son Gregory of Hyannisport, MA and his children Lindsay, Kate, Chad and Mia; and a son Jeffrey, and his wife Nancy, of Watertown, MA and Osterville, MA and their children Beatrice and Frieda, along with nieces Krista, Kelly and Kim and nephew Jay.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will follow immediately at Newton Cemetery, Newton, MA. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held at the First Congregational Church, 329 Route 6A, Yarmouthport, MA, on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cape Cod Foundation, Donor Advised Fund, 259 Willow Street, Yarmouthport, MA 02675.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 27 to Jul. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES BILEZIKIAN

54 Entries

Bonney Rega

July 22, 2021

Chuck was extraordinary in so many ways. As an entrepreneur, a father, grandad, and husband to Doreen. He is missed, and loved, by many who continue to hold him dear.

Tricia Kavanagh

June 6, 2018

Having retired from The Tree after working for you at 7020 starting 7/26/2000, I had no way of knowing
you no longer share life with so many. You were always so kind and warm to your employees, treating us with dignity and humor. My tardy condolences to Doreen and family.

Joyce Holway

April 18, 2018

This is a long time overdue and I am heartily sorry. I moved to Maine and have not been in touch with my ex-husband, Charlie Holway, for many years. I remember Chuck for the wonderful, generous man who always insisted on calling me "Mrs. Holway" while he, a man of much importance, demanded I call him "Chuck." He was very generous with his time and always ready with a donation for a cause. My daughter, Cynthia was always welcome in his office and both he and Doreen made her feel very special. Doreen always said she would have liked a daughter and Chuck said it was probably a good thing they didn't have one because he would have to spoil her beyond imagining. When we were having a hard time finding a Cabbage Patch doll for Cynthia for her birthday somehow Chuck found an outlet and one day one of his trucks showed up at the house and the driver dropped off a CASE (12) of Cabbage Patch dolls. She picked out one and we gave the rest to some of her friends. I still have the exquisite velvet dress that Doreen gave Cynthia to wear her first Christmas (6 months old). We made sure she wore it to the Christmas Tree Christmas party. The world was lucky to have Chuck in it as long as it did. And I know he is missed by all who were lucky enough to know him and spend time with him. Doreen, you were the other part of an amazing pair and I am sure you miss him terribly. One can't think of him and not have a picture in the mind of him without you. Thank you both for being the special people that you were together. Greg and Jeff, I enjoyed seeing you two develop into the delightful men you have become. And I always got a chuckle out of your escapades, I never minded the late night calls for "Mr. Holway" to get you somehow out of some mishap. I am so sorry for your loss, but I am sure you have some incredible memories--I know I do.

Richard Ales

August 13, 2016

Dear Doreen and family.

I want to send my condolences to you and all your family, in the time that I knew Chuck I learned a lot about life and business he always told me that your word is your bond and all we needed was a strong handshake to make it happen this is how I have lived my life and will continue to live it.

I will miss Chuck and his humor and I know everyone else will to.

The world was a better place with Chuck in it and a little sadder with him gone but his memory will help us move on.

Richard Ales

hank reni

August 8, 2016

many fond memories of charlie's cheery personality on campus during our days at newton high school. no wonder he became such a success. my sincere condolences to all who loved him.

August 8, 2016

Dear Doreen and family - Please accept my condolences. Chuck was an amazing man who affected so many people. He will be sorely missed by many. May he rest in Joy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Love, Bonney Rega

Lillian DePasquale

August 2, 2016

I was very sorry and sad to learn recently that Charlie was ill. I learned of his passing too late to attend his funeral last week so I want to extend my sincere sympathy to Doreen and her family. I and my cousins grew up with Charlie. He was a dear friend and a very special person. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod

August 1, 2016

We at the Family Pantry of Cape Cod are very sorry to hear of Mr. Bilezikian's passing. Your family has been incredibly generous to the Pantry and countless families have been made a little bit happier by your generosity. We hope that your family feels better with time as you remember the joy he brought.

Christine Menard, The Family Pantry Team and all those you have helped.

Pat (Doherty)and Joe Kelly

July 31, 2016

To Doreen and family and ALL the Eilezikians'

We are sorry to ready of Charlie's passing. I "frequented" to put it mildly all the Christmas Tree Shops daily when we started vacationing in West Dennis in 1971 and still do.
Pauline Baroosham and I were classmates at THE Newton High School (when there was only ONE).
And of course our condolences go to Pauline, and her side of the Bilezikians.

Arthur Warren

July 31, 2016

Dear Doreen, Greg and Jeff:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Chuck was authentic, compassionate and generous. When we think of Chuck, we see images of the ideal husband, father, business leader and friend.

His legacy is strength, humor and resilience in an imperfect world.

Chuck made life magically good for all of us who knew him.

Respectfully,

Arthur, Judy, Emily and AJ Warren.

July 30, 2016

Charlie and I attended Bigelow Jr. High and Newton High School together. Ironically, when we moved to Cape Cod in 1999 it was in Yarmouthport, less than a mile from the first Christmas Tree Shop.
You are truly the symbol of the American dream.
Helene Gorenstein Schaefer

Deede Tonelli

July 30, 2016

So sorry to hear, Doreen, Jeff, and Greg -
My prayers and sympathies are with you. I will always remember his charming presence and his quick and warm smile. May you be comforted at this difficult time.

Ann Signore Muench

July 30, 2016

Prayers to Doreen and family. A very sad
day. Remember the memories and family pictures, they tell the story.

God's Blessings to you all.

Ann Signore Muench Class of 1955
Newton High School

Houston, Texas

Ray Otten

July 29, 2016

Doreen, Greg, and Jeff. So sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. Best boss anyone could ask for. You all always made me feel important to the company. Will never forget him or any of you. Thanks for 10great years at CTS, Albany.
Ray Otten

July 29, 2016

So very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He will be fondly remembered.

Ruth Irving Tenofsky

Stephen Edwards

July 29, 2016

A great man. Loved when he and Doreen would come to Christmas Tree Shops store #17 and would talk to all the employee's, get to know us, and encourage us. Loved working for him. He was such an inspiration. Loved going to the kickoff's and looking at the new products, swinging with Doreen on the swing set that was about to arrive in the store. Chuck would go around to all the tables and say hello. Also loved the outdoor games that would have everyone bond. I speak of them often to new employees and older CTS crew. Your legacy will live on. RIP Chuck. Doreen and family, keeping you all in prayer. God bless. Stephen Edwards Store #17 Orange.

July 29, 2016

Doreen and family, We are very sorry for your loss--Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your family. Chuck was a very special person -- a one of a kind. We have wonderful memories of time spent at the barbecues with Chuck and the families. We will all miss him. God Bless you. John and RoseMary, Stephanie and Oscar, Kimberly and Joseph

Barbara (Kuziel) Sudyk

July 29, 2016

Forever in our hearts

July 29, 2016

Doreen, so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family
Cousin Arlene Berinsky Morris

Peter Flato

July 29, 2016

So sorry to hear about Chuck.
As a vendor I was always treated with respect and always enjoyed working with Chuck.
He was one in a million!

July 28, 2016

DEAR DOREEN AND CHILDREN. I WAS SO SADDENED TO HEAR OF CHUCKS DEATH. MY MEMORIES OF HIM AND YOU GO BACK TO THE DAYS WHEN YOU WERE IN THE HOUSE WITH THE SHOP DOWNSTAIRS, AND YOU TWO WERE OFF ON YOUR LIFETIME ADVENTURE. I AM GLAD TO SAY A SUCCESSFUL ONE. HE WAS A GREAT GUY.
I TRIED TO CONTACT YOU TWO WHEN I WAS DOWN THE CAPE TWO YEARS AGO, I WISH I HAD, WRAP YOURSELF UP IN ALL OF YOUR WARM MEMORIES, AND GO ON AS HE WOULD
RON PIRETTI

July 28, 2016

Dear Doreen, Greg and Jeff,
Your father and husband was a wonderful man. Bob thought the world of him as did I. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, now or in the future.

Liz Hunter

July 28, 2016

We are truly sorry for your loss. Praying for Chuck and keeping your family in our thoughts.

Paul Cervone

July 28, 2016

Dear Doreen, Greg & Jeff , I was so very saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck. He was a very kind man, a visionary and tremendous business leader. He leaves an incredible legacy behind as a father, husband and grand father. It was my absolute pleasure to have gotten to know and work for Chuck at CTS. I truly feel blessed by the opportunities he afforded me as this is a huge loss for the entire CTS family.

Janet Cole

July 28, 2016

So sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Bilezkian. I had the pleasure of working for the family in the Orange Ct. CTS.....
Prayers to the family. Sorry for your loss.

Jennifer Hausmann

July 28, 2016

So very saddened to hear of Chuck's passing. He was truly one in a million. He taught me so much during my time at Christmas Tree Shops and I feel very lucky to have known and learned so much from such a wonderful man. He will forever be in my heart! Prayers to Doreen, Greg, Jeff and family...

July 28, 2016

I have had the pleasure of meeting Doreen and Chuck a few times when the Christmas Tree Shops were still filming commercials. My condolences go out to the Bilezikian family.

Marie Lapriore, Shrewsbury store

Bob & Renisa Deemer

July 28, 2016

I was truly blessed when God put Chuck into my life. The best place to work ever. He was a genius, a truly gifted man, and will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with Doreen and the family.

patricia towers

July 28, 2016

my sincere condolences for your loss. such a great man.

July 28, 2016

To Doreen, Gregg & Jeff

Not only was Chuck a great husband, father and friend of all who knew him but to us he was a member of our family. A personal who never said no to any request we had.

He was beloved immediately by all who interacted with him and his relationships lasted forever.

He will be remembered as the quintessential businessman and his passing is a loss to all of us who loved and adored him.

Jake & Reuven
The Mazel Company

Arlene Smith

July 28, 2016

He was indeed a wonderful man as is evidenced by the legacy of his children. May you all be comforted by many many happy memories

Dennis O'Brien

July 28, 2016

So very sorry to hear of this loss. Chuck was a great man who had a profound impact for the better in so very many lives. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

George Truman (bait & tackle) Lewis

July 28, 2016

I'm very sorry for your loss.

cindy pouliot

July 28, 2016

I have worked for this great man my entire life... he has taught me so much. My heart is broken, I will miss you always. Doreen, Greg, Jeff and family so so sorry for your loss.

Mary Ellen McLaughlin

July 27, 2016

Doreen,Greg And Jeff, so saddened to hear of Chuck's passing. He was an amazing man and employer, who took us all on a wonderful journey. He impacted all our lives. My love and prayers to you all during this difficult time.

Chris Chapin

July 27, 2016

What a great man, it was an honor to have know him. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Joanne Gould

July 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of Chucks passing. His smiles, hugs and kisses will always be remembered at all the CTS functions. He made coming to work a pleasure. He will be missed by all the people he touched. RIP Chuck. Thank you

Paula Lisboa

July 27, 2016

My dearest sympathies to the Bilezikian family. Chuck and Doreen's path in life allowed me to follow my path and for that I will always be honored and humbled to have known such amazing people. Thank you and My prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.

July 27, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Doreen, Greg, Jeff and the extended family. We were fortunate to have known Chuck and he was a wonderful influence to myself and others.

Gregg, Andrea, Paige, and Joshua Consoletti

John Miller

July 27, 2016

Apart from my own father, Chuck Bilezikian always comes to mind when I reflect on those who made a difference in my life. And the lives of many others. Saddened by the loss. Remembering the great good. With condolences to the Bilezikian family.

Tim, Barbara, Ashley and Joshua DeJoie

July 27, 2016

Our condolences to Doreen and the Bilezikian family. It was an honor to have known and worked as caretakers for this remarkable man and his family. May you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the Bilezikian family.

Jane and Tom Murray

July 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. We have many fond memories and are grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. A good man that impacted the lives of so many people in so many ways. Our deepest condolences to Doreen and Family.

Pam Collum

July 27, 2016

Rest in peace dear man. I have the best memories working as a Training Specialist for Christmas Tree Shops. Chuck always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be very missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Doreen and family during thus time. Pam Collum

Tom Tomasik

July 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He was a great man, full of passion for his family, their business and life. He will be missed but not forgotten. Condolences to the Bilezikian family.

Don and Sharon Bernier

July 27, 2016

Our heartfelt condolences to the Bilezikian family during this sad time. My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck and Doreen while setting up Store #14 in Manchester, CT. We always enjoyed talking with Chuck when he visited the store. He was so kind and attentive to his employees; a virtue that is fading.

Sharyn Shindo

July 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Doreen. I work at the Christmas Tree Shop in Manchester,CT. I have worked there since you opened it in 1993.I'll always remember the Gift Shows and the commercial shoots in the stores. We miss you. Good fun people to work for.

Pat Daly

July 27, 2016

As Clarence said to George in It's A Wonderful Life : "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole." Hundreds of people, whom lives Chuck impacted, are feeling that "awful hole."
Rest In Peace, Chuck.

The Waldron Family

July 27, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to the Bilezikian family. Chuck was an amazing man, so kind to all who knew him. We will always carry our warm memories of him in our hearts.

Stephanie Panasci

July 27, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Sympathy to the entire family.

July 27, 2016

What an amazing man with an amazing legacy. We will miss him so much and pray for his family and friends.
Lenna Bablouzian

Sharyn Shindo

July 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Doreen. I work at the Manchester,Ct . I have been there since you opened it in 1993. I'll always remember the gift shows and the commercial shoots at the store. You were fun good people.

Joan Berk

July 27, 2016

My deepest sympathy goes out to Doreen and the family. I have worked at the Manchester Christmas Tree Shops since it opened and working for Chuck and Doreen was the greatest time I have had there. They were fun, friendly,and generous to eveyone in the store. Chuck will surely be missed. God bless the family.

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