CHARLES DESSERT

Nov. 25, 1949 July 1, 2023

Charles Charlie Dessert slipped gently into Gods arms on July 1, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family at his home in Mission Bay after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Charles was one of a kind - a brilliant man with a sharp wit who loved his family, faith, and farming. He was the first child of Mary Margaret and Frank A. Dessert, born in Brawley, California, on November 25, 1949. Charles had an idyllic childhood, shared with his brother, David Dessert; sister, Frances Strahm; and all his Dessert and Casey cousins.

He attended Saint Mary's School, Wilson Jr. High, and Central Union High School, where he excelled academically. He remained close to his Central class of 67 friends, hosting their annual reunion at Mission Bay. Charles attended the University of Southern California and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He remained a lifelong, proud Trojan. After earning his Bachelors of Science in Business in 1971, he went to work in La Jolla at Cattle Futures. He continued in the cattle business with 3D Cattle, and later Anza Packing.

He married the love of his life, Annabelle Durazo, in 1976, and soon after, started his own business and farming career in 1979, the same year he welcomed the birth of his son, Charles Casey. Charles also had a successful career in real estate.

Charles was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church and later also of St. Bridget Catholic Church in San Diego. He was a proud member of the Imperial County Farm Bureau, the Elks, and the Gourmet Club. A voracious reader, Charles read everything he could, including thousands of novels over his lifetime. He said, I know a little about a lot, thanks to his love of reading. A gourmet and wine connoisseur, he loved to dine with friends and family and always ordered the perfect bottle.

Charles was a creature of habit. You could find him every weekday at the post office, every Wednesday at China Palace with his lunch group, every Sunday at church, and at Grasso's with his family every Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Charles was preceded in death by his son, Casey; and parents, Mary Margaret and Frank Dessert. He is survived by his wife, Annabelle; three daughters, Caroline (Lisa Valenzuela), Mimi, and Madeline (Robert Martinez); and three grandchildren, Robert Charles, Sebastian Casey, and Bridgette Bella; with one more granddaughter due in November; brother, David (Kim) Dessert; and sister, Frances (Clifford) Strahm.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, with a Rosary at 9 am, followed by Mass at 10 am at Saint Mary's Church, 795 S. LaBrucherie Rd., El Centro. In lieu of flowers, the family invites gifts to be made in his name to Saint Mary's Church Building Fund.

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

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online on Jul. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES DESSERT

10 Entries

Lucy Casey

August 20, 2023

Dear Annabelle, Caroline, Mimi & Madeline and all the family and friends,

So sorry to hear of Charlie´s passing. Missing his presence in the times ahead will be forever a reminder of all the good times he and you and the family created.

We send our heartfelt condolences to you and all the family. Sharing times with Charlie and Uncle Mike together was always something to look forward to and cherish. I know his Uncle Mike loved and enjoyed every moment and every conversation and every laugh they shared. His generous heart, bright mind and great wit & humor brought a lot of laughter and joy to us. Charlie was a truly unique and special person. He will be greatly missed and may he rest in peace. To know him was to love him.

Lucy Casey and Charlie Casey
Falmouth, Maine

Valerie Procsal Kearney

August 10, 2023

The part of writing to the deceased family is you only want to hopefully be just a bit of comfort. I know that this is a family of very strong faith, my hope is at your time of grief this reminder is´ Charlie went before us. I pray for the whole clan that will miss his kindness's.

Herman

July 28, 2023

RIP Charlie, You had a good ride. Herman

Todd Driscoll

July 26, 2023

Charlie was brilliant, savvy, down to earth, an amazing story teller, and fun to be around. Really appreciated his hosting of a group of us old high school buddies in an annual gathering at his beach house. Deepest condolences to his family. RIP Charlie.

Matthew and Taylor

July 25, 2023

Matthew and Taylor

Tom and Patti Boman

July 24, 2023

Our deepest condolences to the family

Crystal Necochea

July 24, 2023

My deepest condolences to you all. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Dessert for 16 years. I will cherish all of the wonderful chats we had about music and wine. Most of all, his witty banter. I owe my obsession to the Buena Vista Social club to Charlie. Sending you all love, peace and hope through these tough times familia. Abrazos y Besos.

Betsy Yates Riehle

July 24, 2023

I went to high school with Charlie. Years later when he was farming with Mark they had a field in alfalfa next to my home. Charlie was burning weeds along the adjacent irrigation ditch and at some point the fire jumped to an oleander bush in my yard. My children were out playing and I was watching them but on the other side of the house. I just happened to walk around and see the flames coming out of my bush and panicked. I already had a garden hose spraying water on it when Charlie came racing back and took over. He kept saying, "these bushes are not supposed to burn." There was a lot of dead leaves down inside. I'm sure his family will remember many other amusing stories from his life. May the sweet memories comfort Anna and their girls in this time of grief.
It is sad to lose a classmate.
Betsy Yates Riehle

Bill Thornburg

July 24, 2023

Charlie and I were born the same year and graduated the same year, him from Central and me from Holtville. We became close friends, he lived with me for 2 years before he married Annabelle. We remained close friends throughout the years. He had an uncanny business sense about him making all his endeavors successful.
My condolences to Annabelle, Frances, David and the rest of the Family.
So long good friend, may you rest in eternal peace!

Fred Oliver

July 23, 2023

Charles was a dedicated and loving family man, an astute businessman, a true believer and follower of Christ, plus a loyal friend to so many. He always appeared calm, but never stopped multitasking, setting and accomplishing new goals,
Should you seek advice from him, he carefully thought through a challenge and delivered wise suggestions.
As a sage, role model, and friend, he will be missed by so many who loved him.
Most sincerely,
Cousin Fred Oliver

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