A lifelong resident of Greenwich, Charles Nicholas Bologna, Jr., died peacefully at his home on August 24 surrounded by his family.
Born on February 11, 1947, in Greenwich, Chuck was the son of the late Charles and Carmen (Nellie) Elizabeth Bologna. Chuck grew up in Chickahominy, attending St. Roch Church and graduating from Greenwich High School. Later, he attended Pace University and Norwalk Community College. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, leaving for the service less than two months after marrying his wife, Christine Bologna.
Chuck was a talented woodworker who worked as a general contractor throughout his life. He valued hard work and was known as someone you could call to fix anything. He loved working on projects for friends and family, and in particular, for his children. He devoted his retirement to helping his children settle into their adult lives. From renovating houses to preparing boats for the summer to tinkering with cars, he was always available when his family needed him. He was also overjoyed by the births of his grandsons in 2015. He loved being a “pop” and was adored by the boys.
He was passionate about cars, motorcycles and boats. From motorcycle trips across the desert to boating across Long Island Sound, Chuck thrived on the freedom that came from the open road and water. The saltiness of the sound and the roll of the waves will forever remind us of Chuck’s connection to the water. His boat, Finnegan’s Wake, was his pride and joy and his escape from everyday life.
Chuck loved food and the happiness that it brought to people. For more than 30 years, he made cheesecakes during the holidays, and he delivered them to his closest friends and family. His recipe was a well-kept secret, and his list of deliveries seemed to grow each year.
He is survived by his loving family: his wife of 48 years, Christine Bologna, son Michael Bologna (Jessica Hindlian), daughters Lisa Beauchamp (Christopher Beauchamp) and Amy Kerekes (Norbert Kerekes) and grandsons Calvin Beau-champ and Nicolas Kerekes, and his sisters, Pamela Clark (Bob Clark) and Donna Rundel (Hermann Rundel).
A wake will held at Castiglione Funeral Home, 544 Old Post Road #3 in Greenwich from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 30 and a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 17 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club, 9 Grass Island Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich or the Bendheim Cancer Center in Greenwich. To leave an online condolence please visit www.castiglionefh.com.