On June 20, 2022, our world made less sense. Colors suddenly faded and sounds became more muted. Our Rock, Charles Vasile Pandrea, of Coconut Creek, Florida passed away suddenly, leaving his heartbroken family and friends and all he touched throughout his life of selflessness and serving others to pick up the pieces from this news.

Born in 1930 in Canton, Ohio to Pearl (Stefan) and Charles Pandrea, he was a prototype depression era kid, in a happy, loving family in those tough days. Learning early on the responsibility to help earn money for the family, he worked many jobs as a child, developing his tireless workhorse ethic. Even as recently as last week, he was still talking about selling small pies as a kid, with the opportunity to buy the leftover supply for a penny, in order to bring them home to his family. He also talked about waking up as early as 4 am to deliver telegrams before his school started. Then, after school, he would return to deliver more. He actually has a wonderful list of about 20 jobs he held as a kid or young teenager, he was always proud of those days.

As the jobs continued, and his high school years arrived and went, he joined the Air Force after graduating, during the Korean War. He was stationed in Denver and Massachusetts, but his favorite part was being in Fairbanks, Alaska as a radio operator on the B-29 "Pole-Vaulters" squad, flying over the North Pole area, and measuring possible nuclear testing in the air from the Soviet Union. He loved the wild frontier up there.

After his discharge, he returned home to Canton and his wonderful family, attending Kent State for a while on the G.I. Bill. After a few more jobs, he landed a job with Ohio Bell as a Cable Splicer and Lineman. This turned into his career, as he made his way up the chain to Engineer, then Project Engineer, then Consultant over his long career. Most importantly, is that during these days he also found his true soulmate and love, Janet Forchione. It was love at first sight, and it never wavered or weakened. They spent many happy years in Canton, having children, and being among his brothers and sisters and their families too. He had always shown a keen mind for construction and was a creative problem solver that could fix most anything presented. He started to build family homes, usually at night after working all day. One of the small joys he allowed himself at that time, was to hunt for old cars and parts. He really loved the thrill of the hunt, not knowing what he might find at a swap meet. But, it was always his wife and kids, first always.

In 1973 he was transferred to Florida as an Engineer with Southern Bell, then Bellsouth, then ATT. The family was sad to leave, but also embraced this new adventure. He retired, but didn't want to rest, so he opened Florida Woodworks, to satisfy his building urge. With his family, they built many beautiful cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. During this time, his family also grew as grand-kids started to arrive. Later, he got an urge to return to the Tel-Com field, but as a Contractor. He loved seeing the new young guys and giving them whatever he could from his vast knowledge and became a true mentor to so many.

He wasn't a man seeking ambition, power, or money. Nothing made him happiest than to see his family happy, and be home with them and some of his close, close friends from those years; just sitting around the table, laughing and telling stories. Always a quick wit, but also happy to have a self deprecating humor to make others laugh. He loved his friends very deeply.

Once Janet tragically passed in 2002, he tried to focus himself even more on making sure he devoted quality time to his family and grand-kids, and that was what sustained his spirit. Always giving first, always selfless, never asking for anything for himself, ever and never complaining. He was so happy just being loved by us all.

Battling several health issues the past couple years, it finally became too much for his frail body to take, and he left us on Monday, the 20th, after a valiant fight. But that was expected from a man like him.

He leaves behind his beloved sister, Olympia of Texas; his beloved brothers, Virgil (Lil) of Louisville and Liv (Judy); plus all their amazing families and his sadly missed friends from the "Old Gang" in Canton; and all of Janet's relatives who took Chuck in as one of their own and seamlessly gave him another family of amazing relatives.

He also leaves behind his children in Florida: Victoria (Jeff), Chuck, Lisa, and Perry, as well as his beautiful grandchildren Dennis, Sara and Tyler and great grand-kid Robert. Special mention also to his new best canine friend, Lady, who brightened his days so much his last year.

Go easy into Eternity, beautiful man. You are whole again. You are healthy again. You are happy again. Finally, reunited with your beautiful soulmate, Janet and all the family who have went before. We will meet again.

The family will be holding a Memorial/Celebration of his life on Saturday, July 2 at Monarch Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

After his cremation, the immediate family will hold a private ceremony with military honors before burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to maybe make a donation to these things close to Chuck's heart; St Jude's, The Sierra Club, or the Broward County, Florida Humane Society