Dr. Charles Paul Graceffo, M.D.

A legacy of generosity and adventure

April 22, 1931 - January 24, 2026

Charles Paul Graceffo, aged 94, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026 attended to by his loving family. Charles lived a full life marked by his dedication to learning, helping others through his medical practice and lifting others through his generosity. With his love of learning, passion for visiting other cultures, and gregarious personality, he set an example for those around him.

Charlie was the son of Joseph and Josephine Graceffo of Auburn, New York. Surrounded by family from the time he took his first breath, he was born upstairs in his parents' home while his grandparents Peter and Anna Avola, immigrants from Sicily, and his aunts Francis and Catherine waited expectantly in the parlor.

Always a good student, Charlie attended Purdue University in Indiana for one year before being drafted into the Army in 1950. Prior to his entry in the Army, he attended a dance on Cayuga Lake, where he met his future wife, Marilyn Ann Rockino. He was 19 years old; she was 18. Marilyn also grew up in Auburn. The town had two high schools, and as though destined not to meet in high school, they met after graduation.

He served with the 89th Armored Airborne Division as a paratrooper, first at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; the remainder of his two years was spent at Fort Benning, Georgia rising to the rank of Lieutenant. His military service first opened his eyes to travel. Having never been to the South, he encountered people once too distant to have ever met before being called to service; he was influenced by their unique stories, family history and culture that defined them.

After his discharge from the Army, Charlie completed his undergraduate education. Eager to move on to medical school, he finished what would have been his last three years at Purdue in just two years. Meanwhile Marilyn was attending Syracuse University. Separated by wartime, Charlie would hitchhike as often as possible to see her.

Charlie and Marilyn married in 1955, the same year that Charlie entered the University of Rochester as a medical graduate student.

After giving birth to their son Joseph in 1957, Charlie and Marilyn moved from Rochester to New Orleans where he continued his graduate studies at Tulane University, working evenings at Charity Hospital. He and Marilyn often spoke fondly of their early years in New Orleans.

From New Orleans, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan where their second child, daughter Elizabeth was born. After receiving his doctoral degree in medicine, the family moved initially to Oakland, California. It was there that Charlie had an encounter that would shape the rest of his life. While in an elevator in the hospital where he worked as a staff physician, the elevator attendant told him about Napa State Hospital (then a teaching facility for physicians who wanted to specialize in psychiatry).

Charlie was already curious about psychiatry; in 1963 the field was much discussed as medicine's new frontier. He interviewed and was accepted into the program. Consequently, the family moved to Napa, California: the beautiful valley where ten years later they would begin construction of their new ... and lifelong home. Shortly after their move, Marilyn gave birth to their third child, daughter Maria.

Travel continued to define Charlie's life, though after settling in Napa, there was no more moving on for the sake of his continuing education. His curiosity and sense of adventure was now stimulated by travel to places near and far. A big early splurge was a family trip to Tahiti.

Bringing his new family with him wherever he travelled was a priority for him. And go they did ... to Mexico, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, France, Italy, England and throughout the United States. Charlie had a particular fascination for British culture, reading widely of its history, its theater, and its people.

Charlie was a devoted grandfather to Elena and Nico Dennis. They cherished the time they spent together whether shopping, going for walks, playing basketball, or creating a cozy homework space in the garage. He built forts, played chess with Nico, and studied with Elena, inspiring her dream of becoming a doctor. He often picked them up from school so they could spend the day playing games and simply enjoying each other's company, moments that became treasured memories. They lovingly called him "Chirpie," an affectionate nickname that stayed with everyone who knew him well.

Art, literature and theater were three important touchstones in Charlie's life. He and Marilyn indulged their love of culture and developed lifelong friendships as a result of sharing that with friends and family.

Charlie was also a sports enthusiast. He introduced his family to tennis, his favorite sport. He also loved to ski, and to watch a good football game from time to time.

Of all the things he enjoyed though, he loved his family more than anything else. An opportunity to gather around the dinner table with his kids and grandkids for a birthday, or holiday celebration was never missed. Charlie relished these occasions for storytelling opportunities and to share a good laugh. Devoted to his "dream home" in the Napa Valley, he also cherished his hometown of Auburn in upstate New York. He and Marilyn, along with their children, visited often, most every summer, and later included trips over the Christmas holiday. There he reconnected with the people who defined him, who gave him his strength and always their love.

For the final decade of his life, Charlie lived in his own home, lovingly cared for by his daughter Maria. Charlie is survived by his sister Josephine Graceffo of Auburn, New York;, his children Joseph Graceffo of Alameda, California; his daughter Elizabeth Graceffo Dennis of Novato, California; and his daughter Maria Graceffo of Napa, California. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dr. Elena Dennis, and Nico Dennis; and son-in-law Charles Dennis. He was predeceased by his wife Marilyn Ann Graceffo. A Celebration of his life will take place in June of 2026. Please inquire at: mgrace88@icloud.com Dr. Charles Paul Graceffo, M.D.