Charles "Charlie" Papalia

Charles Anthony Papalia, age 93 of Waltham (formerly of Watertown), passed away peacefully on April 1, 2016, with family and friends by his side. Beloved husband of the late Nora (DiPace) Papalia. Loving father of Susan Boodro of Waltham; Dorothy Castignetti and her husband Domenic of Glenview, Illinois; and Jean Papalia and her husband Jay Burke of Newton.  Dear brother of Richard and his wife Ida, and the late Domenic Jr. Devoted grandfather of Danielle Kearney and her husband Stephen, Jonathan Boodro and his wife Jenny Tarbox, Nancy Castignetti and her husband Jeffrey Hytoff,  Lisa and Michael Castignetti, Julie Valencia and her husband Giovanny, Erin Burke, and Johnny Burke and his fiancé Christen Perrault.  He is also survived by 6 great grandchildren: Maya and Domenic Valencia; Mia, Sophia and Olivia Kearney; Neveah Hytoff and many nieces and nephews. Charlie served in the “old” Army Air Corps from 1942-1946. He was assigned to a Bombardier Training Field in San Angelo, Texas where he was an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator. After the service he co-owned and operated Waverley Ave Auto Service with his father and brother. In 1959 he was Commander of the Watertown Post 99 American Legion and remained active in the American Legion for 60 years. In 1989 he became President of the Air Force Association Chapter at Hanscom Air Force Base. Above all, Charlie loved to dance! He was blessed to have three dance partners, Nora Papalia for 55 years, Marge Gallagher for 6 years, and Millie Blackmore for the last 7 years. Funeral from Nardone Funeral Home, 373 Main St. Watertown on Friday, April 8, at 9:00 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham. Burial with Military Honors in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Watertown. Visiting hours Thursday April 7th 4:00-7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ignation Spirituality Project  (where his son-in-law Jay is a volunteer coordinator for  Spiritual Retreats for the Homeless), 188 Foster Street, Brighton, MA 02135 or Good Shepherd Community Care, 90 Wells Ave,  Newton, MA 02459.

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