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Charles R. PACE Jr.

Charles PACE Obituary

PACE, Charles R., Jr.
Charles R. Pace, Jr., 93, beloved barber and musician formally of Springfield, MA was called to his eternal home on June 14. Charles was best known as "Chick" to his family, friends, and customers at Vincent's Barber Shop in East Longmeadow. He served a loyal and multigenerational clientele for over 52 years as a master barber, before retiring at the age of 81. Charles learned his craft at the tender age of 12 while standing on a soapbox by his father's side in the barbershop. His talent and passion for music developed even earlier and he and his father would perform together locally. He was born in Thompsonville, CT., the son of the late Calogero Pace, Sr. and Zola Patronaggio. He served his country as a veteran of World War II for four years in the Pacific theater with the 208th Company A (AA) Group and performed in military and USO bands with legendary musicians and singers. An accomplished musician of guitar, mandolin and cornet, he returned home and continued to perform professionally. He would soon meet a longtime admirer, who as a young girl peered through the barbershop window to watch him cut hair. He married Provedenzia T. Torre on June 14 1947 and moved to Springfield, where he lived until 2008. Charles was an avid fisherman and a New York Yankees fan who loved spending time at the CT shore with family and friends. He is dearly missed by his devoted wife of 64 years, his daughter Charlene DiCarlo and husband Ralph of Boca Grande, FL, son Charles Pace and wife Mirriam of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Gloria Pace-Allen and husband Shin Do-Han Allen of Springfield, MA, and son Richard Pace and wife Camille of Orange, CA, grandchildren, Gina Vetter, Anthony DiCarlo, and Sicily Pace, great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Jacob Vetter and Jenna DiCarlo. Predeceased by his sister Lillian Bushy, he leaves behind his brother James Pace of Columbia, CT, niece Virginia Hellstrom and nephew James Pace.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 27 at Saint Patrick's Church in Enfield, CT at 10 a.m. Remembrances are encouraged and may be posted online in the obituaries guestbook at courant.com or sent to P.O. Box 363, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

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Published by Hartford Courant from Aug. 18 to Aug. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles PACE

25 Entries

Anthony DiCarlo

August 13, 2020

Hello grandpa, how I miss you. You are always on my mind. You are the nicest man that I ever have know. Every moment I was able to spend together with you, are ones that I constantly reflect upon during my aging years. I only hope that I could be half the man you were. I know you are in heaven or at the gates awaiting your turn. For you led a life of a godly man. One who loved his family dearly. A man who was honest and giving. You taught me things that as a youth, I couldn’t see the importance. Now in life I am appreciative of those lessons. I miss you like the desert misses the rain. I know that every good day I have is because you are looking out for me. I hope that one day we will play cribbage together again. I love you and your memory lives On through me. Kisses and hugs. You are great great man.

Charlene DiCarlo

August 6, 2014

POPPA I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERY DAY - PLEASE LET ME KNOW THAT YOU ARE AT PEACE. LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND STARS AND BACK - LOVE , YOUR DAUGHTER CHARLENE

Chip Pace

June 14, 2012

Today marks the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of my beloved fathers passing. Though it hardly seems another year has slipped by, this day arrives with many thoughts and memories of my Father that allow me to reminisce and comfort me in times of sorrow. My Father was a loving man and his gentle ways were ever present especially when we were together. We could just sit, make hand gestures to music without saying a word and entertain ourselves; we truly had a special bond in many ways. We bonded closer than ever in the last 3.2 years he was in Phoenix, Az., and I am so thankful that the Lord blessed us with this time together.

I'll forever cherish the times we had fishing for trout in the Berkshire mts., or going out hunting where he let me shoot his shotgun for the first time. I'll always remember the time we went via train to New York City and Yankee Stadium, seeing Roger Maris and the ‘Mick' slug out homeruns back to back. Those were golden times, and the trips we took were a special adventure for both of us. I can still recall vividly the sights and sounds of our special Father and Son times we had together. From driving me to college in Boston, to my Springfield Rock and Roll hey days. He would attend rehearsals and go see me play, he just loved being around it. He shared in all my great successes and in my low times as well. He was supportive of me in all that I did. From him I gained much knowledge and foresight watching the way he handled himself in all situations from playing music, to cutting hair, to chatting with people. Much of who I am today reflects who he was, and I feel his presence within me daily. I realize I truly am a ‘Chip of the Old Block'. I love you Dad, and miss you so very much, and you will remain a part of my life. Here's to you Dad, until we meet again. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the friends and family members that lovingly expressed their feelings about Dad.

I'd like to end with a short verse I composed which will be part of a shadow box collage I have been designing. The verse is from the perspective of his antique silver coronet he played and cherished for many years.

SILVER YEARS SILVER TEARS MY MASTERS GONE AWAY TARNISHED BODY NOW RENEWED HIS SONG IS SILENT TODAY THE BREATH THAT FILLED MY CHAMBERS NOW CALM AND LAID TO REST SERVED MAN WELL IN WAR AND PEACE WITH HONOR AND RESPECT SILVER YEARS SILVER TEARS YOU HEARD GODS TRUMPETS CALL OH DEAR FATHER WAIT FOR ME ON HEAVENS GATED WALL.

Charlene DiCarlo

April 4, 2012

MY dear sweet poppa - I Love You and Miss you so Very Much. I find myself visiting this special guest book and reading all the wonderful and loving thoughts from all the people and family members that loved you. Also the photos of you - My Handsome,Cute and Loving Poppa. Poppa, I wish that you could read what Anthony wrote about you; but somehow I know you can. Well, this coming Sunday is Easter and there are so many memories that come flooding back to me. Especially you and I going to church on Easter Sunday. I remember one Easter, when I got to wear my first pair of heels. You and I were walking into the church and there was this mat in the entry way and my heel got caught and when i tried to get it out -the heel broke off! I somehow remember your fore-warning of how you thought I wasn't ready for such a fancy pair of heels. Do you know how often I relive this story? Every time I put on a pair of heels! But I wouldn't change this memory one bit. Anyways, Poppa, I'll be thinking of you on my way to church this Easter. Love You TO The Moon And Stars And Back - I Love You and Miss You, My Sweet Poppa / Charlene

December 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Pop. It has been almost six months since you went with Jesus and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. The memories of this, your special day come flooding back. How with such good humor you indulged the silly hats we put on you, how you sang Happy Birthday to yourself in that exaggerated falsetto while conducting the rest of us in your best Arthur Fiedler impression. I especially miss how you loved the rum cake, cannolis and Italian cookies from La Florintine.
But what I miss the most is your gentle touch and sweet spirit and how you never let me leave you without telling me you loved me.

I love you too Pop.

Do-

Playing guitar in the army, WWII

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

friends in the army

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

Mom just got her license...in the driver's seat

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

At Aldo and Doris' house.

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

Early 20's-given to his wife from the army.

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

Wartime comraderie-Barbering during the service

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

In a field of Artichokes, in Casterville, California

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

Barbering

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

Handsome Charles Pace

Gloria Pace

October 5, 2011

Anthony DiCarlo

October 4, 2011

Grandpa, well what can I say about the great man that you were? I think the word itself is the most accurate descriptive term that could be used. I love you so very much and your memory/legacy will remain in my mind and my heart until one day that we will be re-united. How could I ever forget my g-pa, the one who took me fishing for the first time. I know that I was a little rascal growing up and we had our ups and downs, but know in your heart that I loved you so very much. I remember when I would come to visit you and grandma. The smell of sauce and meatballs. The breezeway! Your V8 pontiac! (you would take me for a ride to get pastry in the morning from downtown) With the visit also came haircut time. I loved getting shaved up by your straight razor. I thought it was so cool and it made me feel like a big boy. Mom would always have her way and tell you to put a part in my hair. I didn't like it so much but somehow you always let me see moms side..:) and when my haircut was done, you would let me play with your barber tools and help clean up. I will always remember how you would do your morning exercise regiment, which is why to this day I am very much into exercise, and nutrition. Oh the good times. It was great to be young, but in life we must get older, but only by one year at a time, thank goodness! I remember how when it was time for supper, you would let me go downstairs and pick my own soda from the fridge in the basement. Black Cherry was always my choice, and I would get you one too. Mom would have creame soda.. How could I forget the cribbage games we played. You sure did skunk me alot..lol.. And coffee flavored brandy. But not too much! Grandpa, I would like to say thanks, for all the fun I had as a kid with you growing up.I know you are in peace right now and looking down upon us (la familia) and keeping a watchful eye on our continued progress. Just know that I am always thinking of you. There was a time recently when I too almost was laid to rest in peace. I know that god had other plans for me so I was spared. I'm doing better now, but I still have a long way to go. I only wished that I could've been there with you when it was your time, grandpa. I know one day we will see each other again, but until then you take care old buddy, and I LOVE YOU!! PS. thank you for the good genes and the Pace hair! Thanks for making me sicilian. But most of all, thank you for taking your time to be my grandfather and teaching me valuble lessons for my lifes long road ahead. Love, your grandson, Antonio! muah... Jenna say hello and she misses you too. she loved her great g-pa very much and was saddened by your passing. I will pass what you have taught me on to our future generations to come. So long "Chick" !

nino

September 2, 2011

Chick was generous,family man,great barber,excellant musician.Sal Salvadore Frank Stranch,Eddie Pielka & Chick are probably jamming in heaven,all top musicians.He got me started in music and helped me to become a pro. He will be sadly missed. My condolences to his family. NINO

Dan Bruno

August 24, 2011

To Chick's family: My brother and I both got our first haircuts from Chick, and my father would bring us every few weeks. I know now that going to get your hair cut with your dad is a boyhood rite of passage. And, like many other boys in town, getting your hair cut by Chickie was a rite of passage. My father went as much for the shop talk, bad coffee and friendship as for the haircuts. And we always waited for Chick, no matter how many others were already waiting. I learned many valuable lessons from Chick: if I behaved and didn't squirm I got Bazooka gum or a lollipop, sometimes its important to just listen to someone who wants to talk to you, and the way you treat people is how you would like to be treated. I remember sitting in Chick's chair perhaps only six or seven years old, but he treated me with as much respect as any adult. And Chick didn't have customers, he had friends. I can still smell the shop, hear the instrumental music playing on the old radio and how it felt to be the most important person in the shop when I was in Chick's chair. He made you feel that way, like you were a king. Chick would let me flick the switch on the vacuum hose or pump up the chair(to Vincent's annoyance!). Chick would talk about his grandson (Anthony?) and thought that we could be great friends. He knew that I was a bit of a devil and told me stories about how Anthony had put water in the lawnmower gas tank so his father would have to pull the rope forever. Chickie smiled wide when he told that story and whenever he talked about his family. We talked about his black 1979 Pontiac and anything that interested me, again Chickie made you feel important. Finally, I remember sitting in Chick's chair when I was just 11 or 12 years old and getting the full treatment: haircut, lathering and shaving my neck, blow dry, style. There were at least two grown men in the waiting area giving Chick dirty looks and one even made a comment "C'mon, it's just a kid". Chick's response: He took his time and told the man that he could see Vincent or Pete, and that he wouldn't have time to cut his hair today. Chick treated me as his most important task and never took any "shortcuts" with me. He could have, but he didn't. I have a very heavy heart and will miss Chick. A true friend and gentleman who made a lasting impression on my life. God bless you, Chickie

Charlene DiCarlo

August 24, 2011

Dear "Poppi" I'll always Love You To The Moon and Stars and Back. I miss you so much, Love, Your Daughter, Charlene

Barry Colen

August 21, 2011

How to begin, Chick was more than my barber and over a twenty-year period became my good friend. We shared many stories about our respective families. He was always very proud of his children! We talked about so many subjects over the years, he was very knowledgable and always intellectually curious. Sincere condolences to his family.

August 19, 2011

So sorry to hear about your loss. He was a wonderful man who provided us with some fantastic memories - from fishing and hunting stories, and the way he took such meticulous care of his cars (all those Pontiacs of the 50's and 60's) to teaching us how to shoot BB guns in the woods. His music and his love of family were inspiring. I used to love sitting in your kitchen and listening to him and his sayings. Remember - "Get the strap!" and "Bonehead Burnett"?
Take care, John Burnett (Ames, Iowa)