Charles David Botti

Senior Master Sergeant ret Charles Chuck David Botti passed away in San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday April 23, 2008, at the age of 49. Chuck was born on March 2, 1959 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Laurel Highlands High School in 1977. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 27, 1981 and served on active duty for nearly 27 years before retiring at Lackland Air Force Base on December 1, 2007. While on active duty, Chuck deployed to South Korea and Saudi Arabia and was also stationed at Castle AFB, California, Kelly AFB, Texas, and Lackland AFB, Texas. He received numerous medals and commendations throughout his years of military service including the Meritorious Service Medal Third Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal First Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Chuck was fiercely devoted to the Air Force and was intensely proud of all who served with him. He was especially proud of the young enlisted men and women who served with him during his final years in uniform and could often be heard heartily congratulating those who had just graduated from Air Force Basic Training. Chuck married Beverly Ortega, truly the love of his life, on December 29, 2001 in San Antonio, TX. While their years as a married couple were few, everyone close to them knew the love they shared was more than enough to fill two lifetimes. Chuck is preceded in death by his father, Fred Botti and his brother, Thomas Botti. Chuck is survived and will forever be loved by his wife Beverly, his mother Veronica, brother James and his wife Karen, brother Robert and his wife Donna, brother Steven Anthony, brother Frederick and his wife Melissa, sisters Susan and Denise, and six nieces and nephews. In addition, Chuck will forever be remembered by the Medina, Ortega, Wolfgram, and Balderas families as a kind and gentle soul who brought joy, happiness, love, and respect into their lives. Members of Chuck's extended family who mourn his passing and will forever long for his return include Petra Medina and her husband Ramon, Ruben Ortega and his wife Victoria, Emma Wolfgram and her husband Alan, Cynthia Balderas and her husband Roy, Karen Ortega, and all of their children. Chuck's infectious laugh, sense of humor, and love of life and family will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony.