Charles J. "Chuck" Carpenedo

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Charles J. “Chuck” Carpenedo, 86, of Bessemer, died Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, in Wakefield. He was born March 14, 1927, in Bessemer, son of the late Peter and Ann (Montesi) Carpenedo.

He grew up in Bessemer and attended Bessemer schools, graduating from the A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1944. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge, he returned to Bessemer.

On July 8, 1950, he was united in marriage with Betty A. Certano at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer by Father Harris. Chuck and Betty then moved to southern California, where Chuck drove truck and used his GI Bill to attend aircraft mechanics' school. 

He worked for North American Rockwell and Rockadyne Corporation. He eventually became crew leader. He worked on the Apollo rockets, which took the U.S. astronauts to the moon.

In 1965, the family moved back to Bessemer, where Chuck and Betty joined C & M Oil Company to take over his father’s share of the partnership. In 1980, the Carpenedos took over sole ownership of C & M, and their children Jim and Dee joined the company. Chuck was part of the family business until his retirement in 1989.

Chuck enjoyed music, and he played his trumpet in several dance bands and in Marty’s Goldenaires. He and Betty loved to dance whenever they could. They also traveled with senior tour groups to many parts of the country. 

They were active members of the Paisano Club, and Chuck was an officer in the club. 

A gracious host, Chuck enjoyed family celebrations and was concerned that everyone was comfortable and well fed. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Bessemer; his son Jim (Shirley) of Bessemer; his daughter, Dee, of Bessemer; two granddaughters, Susan of San Francisco, Calif., and Karen of Mauston, Wisc .; a brother, John (Lee) of San Jose, Calif .; a sister, Nancy (Carlton) Gotta-Rudolph of Ironwood; and a niece and three nephews.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by a brother, Julius.

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer. Father Ben Hasse will be the celebrant. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Chuck's memory are preferred to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, 200 First St. SW, FF2-700, Rochester, MN 55905.

Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home.