Obituary of Charles Anthony Aquilina

Charles Anthony Aquilina was born and raised in Pittston, Pennsylvania, welcomed into the world by his loving parents Patrick and Angela, and two older sisters, Florence and Elizabeth ("Betsy"). His parents were second generation immigrants of Italian and Polish decent, and Charles was often easily identifiable in photographs of large Italian gatherings with his blonde hair and mischievous smile. In addition to his intelligent and loving sisters, Charles was blessed many years later with a baby brother, Anthony, who would become one of his best friends in life.

After graduating Wyoming Seminary, Charles served overseas in the United States Air Force before returning home to attend college. Charles put himself through school joining the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. While attending college at Colorado State University, he met the love of his life Donna Martin. The boy from Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania found his missing half in a young lady from Riverton, Wyoming. Soon after, the couple welcomed a daughter, Angela, and four years later a son, Patrick.

Charles is best known and remembered for his sense of humor and love of people. Quick witted and without any fear of embarrassment, Charles would go out of his way to try and give people a smile or warm someone's heart. Charles couldn't carry a tune in a bucket but that never stopped him from trying to make his grandchildren giggle with a silly Irish song, nor stop him from singing an Italian melody to honor his beloved daughter at her wedding. There was no pun too groan worthy for Charles, a distinction which created the phrase "that was a Pop-Pop joke" within the family.

Despite this lighthearted character who loved a bad joke, Charles was a fierce competitor on the softball field or in the racquetball court. Going back all the way from his days playing football in high school, Charles played hard and always played to win. When seated at the slot machine, Charles was always "on a roll" and was a winner far more often than he was a loser at the poker machines. Charles was also passionate in his career and considered his management style, dedication to quality, and commitment to treating people fairly some of his greatest achievements in life.

After retiring, Charles spent many happy years in the communities of Roswell, Georgia and Southport, North Carolina in the company of family and friends. He loved travelling with his brother, Anthony, spending time with his children and grandchildren, but most of all being with the most important person in his life, his spouse Donna.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Angela Aquilina, and sister Elizabeth "Betsy" Phillips. Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years Donna; sister Florence Aquilina, brother Anthony (Renee) Aquilina, and brother-in-law David Phillips; children Angela (Tim) Riley and Patrick (Mandy) Aquilina; grandchildren Davis, Samantha, Brendan, and Lily.

A memorial calling hour will be held from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM on Thursday October 12, 2023 at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820.  A memorial mass will follow at St John Church, 1986 Post Road at 10:00 AM in Darien.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the United Way of Idaho Falls & Bonneville County where he formerly held the role of chapter president.