William N. Charles

William N. (Bill) Charles, age 95, passed away on January 24, 2023 peacefully in his sleep. He was born May 13, 1927 in Canton, Ohio to Costan and Nancy (DiGiacomo) Charles. Bill was a graduate of Timken High School in 1945. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in Berlin, Germany as WWII was drawing to a close. He was very proud of his service to our country.

After his discharge from the Army, Bill returned to Canton, graduated from American Technical Institutes and held a number of positions at companies in Canton. He also helped at his father’s store, the Charles Food Market on East Tuscarawas Street in Canton. It was there that he met the love of his life, Rosemary Petro. Bill and Rosemary were married on June 16, 1951 in Canton. Bill and Rosemary had 3 children and were very happily married for 66 years. After they became married, Bill worked at a number of Canton companies, but spent most of his working career with Dyneer Inc.

At Dyneer, he diligently worked his way up from draftsman to eventually Purchasing Manager and then Sales Manager. While his business life was important to him, his true passion was spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing golf, especially in the family DiGiacomo Golf Classic. He loved to have Italian music playing in the house, especially Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. Bill was an avid gardener, and particularly loved growing tomatoes and peppers. Even into his final days, he delighted in asking about his family’s plans for their gardens this summer. He also loved making wine and Italian hot sausage.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Costan and Nancy, his wife Rosemary, his brother John (Mary Jane) Charles , sisters Mary (Mike) Kleptach and Antoinette (Marion) Falasco, and great-granddaughter Gianna Rose Charles. Bill is survived by his 3 children, Bill (Cindy) Charles of Canton, Angela (Mike) Pritchett of Copley and Nancy Pacconi of Canton. He is survived by 8 grandchildren, Scott (Tracy) Pritchett, Ryan (Amanda) Pritchett, Will (Michelle) Charles, Sarah (Greg) Luerman, Gina Pacconi, Rory (Nick) Mamone, Chris (Jackie) Charles, and Andrew (Lisa) Pacconi. He is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The family especially wants to offer a special thanks to Greg, Sarah, Audrey and Ella Luerman for opening their home and their hearts, since he lived with them for the last weeks of his life. Their love and devotion gave him a secure and joyful final days.

Calling hours will be held at Rossi Family Funeral Home in Canton, OH on Friday, January 27th from 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Little Flower Parish in Canton, OH on Saturday, January 28th at 10 am. Interment will be immediately after Mass at Calvary Cemetery.

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