RIP Gubitosi
It’s always emotionally difficult to play at the funeral of one of your own. Today we said goodbye to a very loved and respected CCFD brother, Charles Guy Gubitosi. A special thanks from Clark, Tom and myself to members of Water’s Edge Pipes & Drums, (Roberta, Mike & Dona) and members of Brownsville Fire Department Pipes & Drums (Joey and Gabe) for helping make the band complete. I received countless comments about the impact the band had on the service. One of the most memorable was from the Air Force Chaplain. He said he has been to hundreds of funerals in the course of his duties and of all the pipe & drum bands he has come across, we were the best he had ever heard. I was very proud of our contribution and I feel certain Gubitosi was looking down smiling.
Charles Guy Gubitosi, father, son, brother, firefighter, paramedic, and Local 936 member passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at the age of 54. Charles had an irresistible personality and love for his family and he made an incredible impact on everyone he met. He could light up a room with his extraordinary smile.
Charles was a firefighter for 30 years in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was also a phlebotomist at the Coastal Blood Center. During his life Charles helped to save many lives and even after his tragic death, as an organ donor, he continued to help others and save lives. His job was his personal passion.
Charles graduated from Vineland High School in 1978. He then joined the Navy in the Naval Air Division and served for 4 years. After serving in the Navy he studied at the Ocean Corporation in Houston, Texas and became an offshore diver.
Charles in every sense was a true professional but more importantly an amazing and compassionate person. He brought happiness to everyone who knew him.
It is a tragedy that we will have to live our lives without him. He leaves behind his “rock star” sons, Charles Maxwell and Chad Robert who were his whole life. He raised them to be incredible young men with the help of his mother in law Alma Villegas and help of Robert (Grandpa) as well.
He leaves behind his father Charles Gubitosi, his sister Stephanie, and her husband William Lenchinsky as well as brother in law Paul Lenchinsky, their mother Teresa Lenchinsky and his dear niece Alexandra. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles: Chetty Gubitosi, Addie Gubitosi, Marie (Gerald) Simon, Albert (Helen) Gubitosi; his cousins Lisa and Michael Munshower, Eileen (Carl) Hoffman, Loretta (Richard) Vogl and Paula (Dan) Mayo, and Paul (Jean) Sipala.
Charles has many other family members in heaven. His beloved mother Angela Gubitosi, she loved you so much; Josephine (Carmine) Florentino, Carmela Gubitosi, Patricia (Paul) Sipala, his grandparents, Gaetano and Adelina Gubitosi, his maternal Grandmother Rose Fontanazza and William Lenchinsky Sr.
Also, pray for his first wife Linda Gubitosi and the boy’s mother Carrie Gubitosi.
Charles was uncensored in expressing himself and was a true free spirit. Charles was fulfilled when he was with his sons, through his work, and when he was riding his Victory motorbike. Playing in his band also gave him great joy, he loved his music. Charles will also be remembered as an accomplished drummer; writer, guitarist and piano player.
Charles left the world with his resounding smile and his zest for life. He was a true charmer. He will be deeply missed.
Dan Sheppard, Pipe Major 