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BORN
1946
DIED
2018
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Charles Fertitta Obituary
1946-2018
Charles G. Fertitta, age 71, of Missouri City, Texas, died Monday, the 19th of February 2018. Charles lived a vibrant and meaningful life and at the end fought to see his last days with courage and bravery surrounded by the loving support of his family. Charles was a beloved and impactful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor. He was a proud American and instilled this pride in his children and grandchildren.
Charles was honored to serve his country as an officer in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973 during the Vietnam War. He served as the Executive Officer of the 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the famed "Black Sheep", 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. When the Wing deployed from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, to Takhli, Republic of Thailand in 1972, Charles proudly served with distinction as the Wing Executive Officer and later during his tour as the Wing Chief of Staff during combat operations. Captain Fertitta returned from Thailand and entered civilian life in 1973.
Mr. Fertitta enjoyed a fruitful career in the oil and gas business. He effectively spent his entire career with the same organization as it morphed through multiple mergers and acquisitions and ultimately retired as a Director of Elwood Texas Forge in 2012.
Charles was an active member of the community. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, was a member of the Order of the Arrow, and served as the Advancement Chair of Troop 1656 in Richmond, Texas.
Charles is preceded in death by his grandparents, Josie & Charlie Fertitta, and Lena and Joe Ippolito; his dad, Joseph F "Pep" Fertitta; mother in law, Flora Hale Naquin, and brother in law, Gerald Syler: and his beloved aunts and uncles, Marietta Fertitta, Sr. JoRita Fertitta, Roseanne Fertitta, Olivia "Aunt Wea" Serio, Joe Serio, Charlie Fertitta, and Charley Messina.
Charles is survived by his wife Phyllis, his children, Anna and her husband, Nathan, and Charles, Jr. and his wife, Gina; the joy and happiness of his life, his grandchildren, Ethan, Micah, and Giuliana; his mother, Nancy Fertitta, and his siblings, JoAnnette, Joseph, and his wife, Sandy, and Donald; and his beloved aunts and uncle, Annette Messina, and Charlene and Carlo Busceme; cousins by the dozens, wonderful nieces, nephews, and delightful great-nieces and nephews; sisters in law and brother in law, Nancy, Minette, Jan, Christine and Tom.
A memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 25th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.
In addition, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77702, on Saturday, the 3rd of March, at one o'clock in the afternoon for his family and friends.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that contributions in memory of Charles be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030-4123 or Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1656, c/o Rick Goosen, Treasurer, 21314 Shawnee Park Drive, Richmond, Texas 77406 or a United States Veterans charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Fertitta
Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.
Norbert Wilms
February 14, 2019
For me, as Im sure as others, its very hard to believe that its almost been a year.
For myself, Charles is truely missed. I worked with Charles for 38 years and always looked up to him as my mentor. He taught me a lot about business, sales and life itself.
Phyllis, Charles, Anna and the rest of the family gave a lot to be proud of in Charles. Phyllis & Charles have done a very good job in raising their children, as Charles is looking down as a very proud husband and father.
I will forever miss this man. Thank you Charles for everything you did for me in my growth as an adult.
Phyllis, God Bless you and if there is ever anything we can help you with, just let us know. It was very, very nice to have talked with at Christmas time.
Bert
Robert-Mark Megna
August 18, 2018
Dear Phyllis,
Suzi just told me that Charles had passed away. Allow me to send you my heartfelt condolences over your loss! So sorry! God bless and give comfort and peace to you and your family.
Robert
Annette Messina Leonard
February 26, 2018
It is with great sadness to hear of our cousin Charles passing. He was my first cousin and my memories of his loving smile and kindness will be with me forever. My mother was his godmother and she is greatly saddened. Like my brother Charley already said, I last saw Charles at our fathers funeral in November. What a wonderful memory embedded in my heart of him watching over our father at his funeral. Making sure he was honored in the best way as a Veteran. Reading through all the wonderful messages honoring my cousin touches my heart. I am so glad he was able to touch so many hearts as he did mine. Phyllis and family I pray for your comfort and sweet memories during this most difficult time. God has a strong angel now and he continues to be a blessing. Much love and big hugs to all of you.
Connie Perrard
February 26, 2018
Phyllis, Im sad to hear that Charles lost his battle but glad to know he is singing with the angels in heaven! I remember you two well from high school- your love endured for a lifetime and your memories will sustain forever. God bless you and your family,
Connie Lalande Perrard
Stacy & Stephen Binckley
February 25, 2018
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Charles. We hold many sweet memories of all of you from our younger years. May you be surrounded by peace, love & comfort in the days ahead. Much love to all of you
Matt Washburn
February 25, 2018
I had the privilege of knowing Charles for the past few years through troop 1656. I've benefited greatly from watching him lead young men into adulthood. He was always patient and kind and truly loved watching these young men grow. I, my son and everyone that knew him will miss him greatly.
Thank you Charles for being a leader among men and always sharing your wisdom and kindness with others.
Thank you Phyllis for sharing him with us.
The Washburns
Mario & Vali Medina
February 24, 2018
Dear Phyllis, we're so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. Vali and I send our condolences. I have only known Charles for a few years, but have really enjoyed our conversations about his military service, his trains, cars and the Boy Scouts camping trips. I always looked forward to seeing both of you for your morning walks. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leigh Biilla
February 24, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry that you lost
Charles much too soon.
William Nichols
February 24, 2018
I had the honor to meet Mr. Fertitta through Troop 1656. He was someone who was always warm and caring. He treated me and every scout like family, he cared for all of us and helped so many of so that we could succeed and become great young men. My heart sank when I was told of his passing, I re-read all of his emails to me and found the quote,
"I'm not brave, I have confidence"
Mr. Fertitta was someone that everyone strives to be and the world has lost a great man.
Troy Lawrence
February 24, 2018
Charles has been a blessing to our Boy Scout Troop program. His time and sacrifices have made a positive impact on over 37 of the young men that have made Eagle Scout under his watch as Advancement Chair.
When called out for nomination into The "Order of the Arrow" the National Honor Society for Boy Scouts, Charles was as overwhelmed and as humbled as any youth member. Over the years Charles would discuss the deeper meaning of each part of the obligation of Cheerful Service to Others. I have no doubt that he would integrate those principles into the Board of Reviews he conducted for rank Advancement, especially selfless leadership to help others, as lifelong values.
Charles always remained passionate about the Order of the Arrow's mission, of promoting scouting and providing Cheerful Service to others, you could always hear it in his voice when he talked about it to the scouts. Because of his passion, our OA Ceremony Team always asked Mr. Fertitta to play one of the four winds for Call Out Ceremony. One of his favorite parts was the West wind, perhaps we can find some solace in the part he so loved to play.
West Wind:
I, ______ the great west wind,
Come from the land of the great sunset, Where the sun's golden rays settle on our tepee.
I urge you, to keep your mind clear for council;
Let not weakness of the body trouble your spirit.
The positive influence Charles has had on everyone around him is difficult to verbalize in just a few words. As a member of the Order of the Arrow, I think our motto of "Brotherhood in the Service to Others" describes Mr. Fertitta's actions in life aptly.
Charles your selflessness and service has been an inspiration to me and so many. We will forever be grateful for your sacrifices to service and we will cherish your memory always.
Thank you to Mrs. Phyllis and the entire Fertitta Family for sharing Mr. Charles with us.
Lavelle Ward
February 24, 2018
Simply put, I have known no better man than Charles. His memory will never fade.
Mim & Debbie James
February 24, 2018
Dear Phyllis, we are deeply saddened to learn of Charles' passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this time. In a recent conversation, Debbie mentioned how kind and down to earth Charles was each time she visited with him at the annual crawfish boils in Baldwin. He was a very genuine person, and he will be missed.
Georgia McCreash Dunlap
February 23, 2018
Dear Phyllis,
Words cannot convey the sadness that I am feeling. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know Charles was sick but prayed that he could recover. You have been with him through it all and I'm sure he got his strength from you. God bless you and your children as you adjust your lives. If you need anything at all, I'm here for you. God Bless You All and may Charles Rest In Peace. ✝
February 23, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the Fertitta family for your loss. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7.
Anita Savino Fournier
February 23, 2018
Phyliss, and family. We are sorry we are unable to attend the services for Charles, as Paul is not doing well.
We extend our deepest sympathy to you all. Being a cousin to Charles,and being around him all my life,I think I can comfortably say, he was a man of courage, kindness, and high values. He gave of himself to not just to the scouts, but to everyone. I will miss him,and so will Paul as we loved him. No one ever really dies as long as there is someone to remember.
Donna Fertitta
February 23, 2018
Phyllis, we all want to send our sincere sympathy to you and the family. I look back and am so glad that you and Charles were able to meet us for coffee at the Adams Mark in Houston when we were there. Love to you all. Prayers are with you. Mom sends her love and prayers.
Donna Fertitta
Mayor Allen Owen
February 22, 2018
Charles was a very dedicated member of our community. I am the one that encouraged him to get on the QV Fund Board which he did and served it with a lot of pride. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. May God hold the family in his comforting arms s they deal with this sudden and unexpected end to his life. May he rest in peace.
Carolyn Bischoff
February 22, 2018
My heart breaks for you, Phyllis. I know Charles was the love of your life, and you were a couple of love and respect for each other. My prayers will be for you to feel God's love and comfort during this time.
Love and hugs, Carolyn
Diana Caldronia Scheier
February 22, 2018
Phyliss, I am shocked and so sorry to hear of Charles passing. I have fond memories of us all from school. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Again I am so sorry.
February 22, 2018
Thank you for your service for our country in Vietnam Sir.
Patricia Saunders
February 22, 2018
Phyllis, it was so sad to read this morning of the passing of Charles. I was the receptionist at BWW a long time ago. Charles office was right next door to the reception area. I'm sure I spoke to you many times. Charles was such a great guy. I will always remember his smile.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
February 22, 2018
I was fortunate to have Charles build a house next to me and my wife Teresa 10 years ago, because if I could have chosen my neighbors, it would clearly have been Charles and his sweet wife Phyllis. Charles was a kind, generous, compassionate man. He would gladly do anything for you and fix anything for you which he loved doing. He had manuals, tools, and parts for any repair job. I am so blessed to have known him and so saddened to never get to visit him again. What a beautiful person.
Ron Pesek New Braunfels
Margaret Coco Mignery
February 22, 2018
Phyllis, my heart breaks for you. We had so many happy times double dating with you and Charles thru high school and college. I also know that Charles and you were very kind to Cooper during his final months in this life. God will give you strength but I know how much you all will miss him. With much love and heartfelt prayers for the Fertitta family.
Margaret Coco Mignery
Bert & Marianne Wilms
February 22, 2018
Phyllis, we are so for your loss. He was an extraordinary person. Charles was loved by all. I worked with him for 35 years and it was an honor to have known and worked with such a caring and loving person. He will be greatly missed not only by his loved ones, but also the hundreds of hearts he had touched. Charles taught me a lot about the business world, family and life in which I'm grateful for.
Our condolences to his family in this time of grief.
Louise Lawrence
February 22, 2018
It is said you meet the Nicest people in Boy Scouts. And Mr Charles, you are one of the nicest, kind-hearted, caring, and compassionate gentleman that I have had the honor to meet. During all our time together in the Troop, you encouraged a lot of young boys, to do the right thing, and think wisely. You watched them grow up, and along the way if they needed you-for a "pep talk" you never turned them down. For a while your grandsons were in the Troop , and while this made you very proud,you treated them no differently than all the other scouts. As a matter of fact, the other scouts wanted to be your grandsons too! You were very much respected as a leader, and a friend, and loved by all. We shall all miss you very much. May you rest in Peace, and your family find comfort through this sad and difficult time. Thank You Mr Charles- you'll never be forgotten.
Danza, Terry and Zane Martin
February 22, 2018
It is with great sadness to have heard of the passing of Charles. He was an amazing leader, patient and knowledgeable and all around extraordinary man. It was an honor to have known him and to work with him in Troop 1656. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Virginia Tames
February 22, 2018
What a pleasure to have known you and what a wonderful person and Grandpa you were to Giuiliana. I relish the time that I got to spend with you and Phyllis and all. Will miss you so much! God bless you and your exceptional family. I know that Charles, Jr. , Gina and Giuliana are going to miss you so much! Love to all of the family. Virginia
Lanre Badmus
February 21, 2018
Charles was an extraordinary role model and mentor to scouts and scouters alike. He was undeniably focused on guiding, advising and advancing our scouts through the ranks to Eagle. He never missed an opportunity to share great life experiences. He cared about the development and success of each scout. Charles camped, hiked and participated in all troop activities, and as Advancement Chair, he was incredibly systematic and organized in managing troop records. I am grateful for the opportunity to have volunteered alongside Charles. It has truly been a blessing to know Charles. His generous and cheerful spirit continues to motivate us all. God bless.
Jorge Carmona
February 21, 2018
I was honored to have know Charles as a member of Troop 1656. Charles would work with the boys and help them advanced. Charles was an amazing and given individual. Everyone at Troop 1656 will miss his smile and efforts to help our boys grow into men...God bless your family .
Chani Barton
February 21, 2018
I worked with Charles through Boy Scouts. He was unwavering in his devotion to helping the boys become amazing young men through scouting. He took so much pride in his work and he truly appeared to love guiding the boys. On a personal level, I appreciated Charles' perspective and point of view. I share his thoughts on zip lining every chance I get, with whomever is willing to listen. I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with him and I am a better person for it.
Charley Messina Jr
February 21, 2018
Charles was my 1st cousin. This is very sad. We just saw him at our fathers funeral where he honored our father and my family dy helping to lay the American flag over dads casket. I will never forget that. He will be greatly missed.
Beverly Warmuth
February 21, 2018
Phyllis,
God bless you and your family. Knowing you for all these years, and knowing what a wonderful marriage you two have had all those years is truly heart warming. You're in my prayers.
Mike Banse
February 20, 2018
I knew Charles as a volunteer for Boy Scout Troop 1656 in Richmond, TX. What a fine man and strong example of leadership for young boys to observe and follow. I enjoyed the campouts, summer camps, and many scouting meetings that we attended together as leaders working to mold young boys into men. He mentored many young scouts as they advanced rank through scouting. He will be missed.
Brian Bailey
February 20, 2018
Charles was my very best friend, 50 plus years of friendship. What a genuinely great person, fun to be with, listening to all those entertaining stories, Charles was such a warm caring person, I will miss him immensely. Love you bro.
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Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
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