Kostas "Charlie" Alex

Kostas "Charlie" Alex, of Norwell, formerly of Braintree, a cherished pillar of his community and a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in the quaint village of Karytaina, Greece, on February 15, 1941, to the late Evangelos and Efstathia (Zarifopoulou) Alexopoulos, Charlie's life was a testament to the enduring strength of family, the joy of friendship and the value of hard work.
Charlie's journey led him from the scenic landscapes of Greece to the bustling life of the United States in 1966, where he soon became a beloved figure in South Braintree Square as the owner and operator of Charlie's Shoe Repair. His dedication to his craft and his customers was evident to all who walked through his doors from 1975 until his well-deserved retirement in 2019. Those who knew Charlie would fondly recall his joyous spirit as he played cards and backgammon with friends at his store, always with a welcoming smile and a story to share.
The loving husband of Mary (Tourkantonis) Alex, Charlie was a devoted partner for 55 years, and together they built a life filled with laughter, centered around family. He was a loving father to Stacy Loukos of Mansfield, Gary Alex and his wife Meghan of Rockland, Lee Alex and his wife Maria of Norwell, and Elaine Robertson and her fiancé Sean Hoey of Pembroke, who will forever cherish his memory and the lessons of love and integrity he instilled in them.
Charlie's role as "Papou" to his grandchildren and great-grandchild was one he embraced with all his heart. Stratos and his partner Dexter, Kostas and his wife Greta, Yianni, Grace, Julia, Kostandinos "Dean", Zoe, Ava, Jude, Athena, Demetra, and Thomas, along with Great Granddaughter Tamara, were the light of his life. Time with their beloved Papou will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
He was a devoted brother to Christos Alex of Westwood, Charalambos Alexopoulos of Greece, George Alexopoulos of Greece, Katina Vouloukos of Canada, and he held close the memory of his late siblings Eleni Paraskevopoulou and Elias Alexopoulos. His extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends spanned continents, a testament to the love and care he extended to all.
Charlie's interests reflected his love for the world, listening to his Greek music and watching old cowboy westerns. His garden and yard were his sanctuary, where he could be found tending to his plants and fruit trees or making his own wine with the meticulousness of a skilled craftsman. He had a fascination with all things that could fly, whether it be a plane or a bird, often had him gazing up in wonder (and quizzing his children on the distance between earth and sun). His love for life took him on many journeys, often to Greece and Canada, to visit relatives and friends and he often opened his home to those in need.
Most of all, Charlie cherished the time spent with his family and friends. He was the heart of Greek Easter celebrations, having mastered the skill of roasting lamb for so many to enjoy. His loving, kind, and handy nature made him not just a handyman in life's practical terms but a builder of joy.
Kostas "Charlie" Alex lived a life rich in experiences and abundant in love. His memory will be treasured, and his presence sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation period on Monday, September 15th, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 119 Common St., Braintree. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 Noon in the Church. Burial will follow in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 119 Common St., Braintree, MA 02184 or to Father Bill's, 38 Broad St., Quincy, MA 02169.
For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com