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BORN
1949
DIED
2024
Charles Lichtman Obituary
04/29/1949 - 12/16/2024
Charlie died peacefully at his home with friends by his side on December 16, 2024 at 75 years of age. Charlie was born and raised in the Bronx, and after college and traveling extensively in Europe, he arrived in San Francisco in the early 1970s. Charlie worked briefly for Pacific Bell, after which he was a self employed telecommunications consultant. As Charlie the Phone Guy, he designed and installed phone systems for business and residential clients.
Charlie's main love was music; a classical piano player and opera lover. Charlie was a supernumerary with the SF Opera and a number other opera companies. He served on the board of the Mesopotamian Opera Company in Los Angeles.
Charlie was a generous, loving and loyal friend, making and nurturing friendships throughout his life. He had a quick wit, using clever word play and metaphor to make general conversation always an entertaining storytelling exchange.
Charlie's passing culminated a brief and valiant struggle with cancer. He leaves behind 2 sisters, 5 nephews and 2 grandnieces. Charlie was a compassionate, kind and caring man. We mourn his passing and our loss. He will be missed by his family and his many, many friends.
A celebration of life will follow at a date to be determined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Lichtman
4 Entries
Lisa
June 3, 2025
Charlie was my go-to guy on anything phone related, but he was also a fountain of wisdom and wit, and we could talk for hours about just about everything. The last time we met up, a few years ago, I gifted him a David Sedaris book, and it just made him beam even brighter.
I just learned about Charlie's passing because, yep, another phone problem.
Rest in peace, Charlie. You have helped so many people, made us smile, and hate AT and T even more!
Andrew Fraknoi
January 12, 2025
Charlie and I were great friends in junior high school and high school. Here is a photo of him in 1965 with me in the background. I remember his kindness to me (a new immigrant, still getting used to this complex country) and his great sense of humor.
Patricia Rodriguez
January 12, 2025
Charlie and I worked together as supernumeraries in multiple operas. Charlie was always pleasant; he had a beautiful smile that could light up a room. He was a very professional supernumerary, a great team member. He was like a big brother to us less experienced supers. I hope to work again with Charlie on an opera stage in the next world.
Andrew Melomet
January 9, 2025
Charlie and I both attended the Bronx High School of Science. We found this out while we were supernumeraries at the San Francisco Opera. I always enjoyed his company. He will be missed.
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