Charles Guerra

Charles Guerra, 97, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on June 23, 2025, while at home in Jacksonville, Florida. He leaves behind his wife of 76 years, Estela Guerra, his four children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren who adored him. He always joked that he simply obeyed God, when He said, “be fruitful and multiply.”

Charlie was born on February 9, 1928, in Eastchester, NY, to Louis (who served in France during WWI) and Concetta Vitale Guerra (who entered the U.S. from Italy through Ellis Island). He was one son among four sisters, and he spent many enjoyable years racing pigeons with his dad. As he was too young to enlist in the military, he served his country during WWII working for Western Union and the U.S. Post Office. As soon as he turned 18, he joined the U.S.Navy and was eventually stationed in Puerto Rico, where he met Estela Diaz. They were married April 2, 1949, in Bronxville, NY.

After the birth of their first daughter, Charlie was called back into the Navy and served during the Korean War until 1952. He spent the rest of his military career in the U.S Air Force Reserves. Shortly after moving his family back to Pensacola, Florida in 1953, he began his career working for Chemstrand, which was eventually purchased by Monsanto. He retired after 35 faithful years of service.

Charlie gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ over 40 years ago and never looked back. He served faithfully in church and was a generous giver. He loved God, his wife, his children and grandchildren, his country, hunting and fishing—in that order. He will always be remembered as a man who never met a stranger, a man of integrity, and a man of his word. His one “bragging point” in life was that he never ever kissed another woman other than his wife. He only had eyes for Estela up until the day he passed into eternity to hear those words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. The Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Sanctuary Church, located at Seacoast Christian Academy, 8057 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, Florida 32211.

Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to GoToNations in his name.