Master builder and talented craftsman
Published July 11, 2019
NORTH READING — Charles “Charlie” Piscatelli, 77, died peacefully, after a lengthy illness at home surrounded by loved ones on Friday June 28, 2019 in North Reading.
Charles is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of North Reading; his daughter Phaedra and her husband Brian Doucette of Middleton; his son Jason and his wife Carolyn Piscatelli of Andover; his daughter Meredith and her husband Raymond Domenici of North Reading; his three grandchildren Emilia Doucette of Middleton, Jason Piscatelli and Bianca Piscatelli of Andover; his brother Edward of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara Piscatelli, and his two brothers, Robert and James.
Charles was born on November 14, 1941 in Cameron, Texas. Upon graduating high school, Charles served in the Air Force from 1959-1964. Charles met the woman he would later marry, Marilyn, while working as a Product Manager at Cambion in Cambridge. Charles and Marilyn were married and lived in Somerville before moving to North Reading where they raised their family and extended grandchildren for the past 42 years.
Charles was an accomplished master builder, machinist, inventor and talented craftsman. His capabilities grew from decades of building and remodeling houses to most recently supporting the start-up and development of a new thermal temperature measurement device.
Charles gained most joy in applying his skills to help, teach and mentor others. Charles was always quick to lend a hand when assistance was needed, offering his services and advice to family and friends. Charles was an amazingly generous father who would drop on a dime and be there for his children. When he wasn’t helping others or tackling his endless to-do list, he was often found in his workshop mastering a new skill.
A real good cook, Charles was a master of the grill, breakfast, as well as a skilled cake decorator. He was also an avid reader, jewelry designer and maker.
Charles valued spending quality time with family and his grandchildren best of all. He enjoyed endless days and weekends watching movies, ball games and the dance moves of his grandchildren. Charles treasured his annual summer vacations with his wife Marilyn in Rhode Island.
Charles’ children, grandchildren, family and friends admired his wit and endless talents. He was commended for his caring and giving nature in nurturing the community within his neighborhood and town. Charles was a member of the Martin’s Pond Booster Club that updated and built the Clarke Park playground. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Charles was chairman of North Reading’s Annual Carl Cutlip Easter Egg Hunt, delivering years of joy for children of all ages.
Relatives and friends are invited to share memories with Charles’ family on Friday, July 12 from 4-7 p.m. at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28), North Reading. His funeral Mass will be held in St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rte. 62), North Reading on Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to MitoAction in support of Mitochondrial Disease https://www.mitoaction.org/donate.
