Charles "Charlie" John Strain

Charles died at his home in West Melbourne on Jan. 26, 2012 after a lifelong struggle with diabetes. Born June 2, 1956 in Limestone, Maine, Charles, as the son of an Air Force officer, spent much of his youth in various U.S. states as well as Germany. After graduating in 1973 from Bishop McNamara High School in Maryland, Charles settled in West Melbourne, Florida. "Charlie" loved painting, had a special attachment to German Shepherds, and took great pride in tending to the trees on his property. Charlie’s creativity manifested in the special recipes he developed as a chef as well as in the cabinetry business he established. Charles leaves a brother Hugh of Alexandria, Virginia, sister Edna Dunn of Hardwick, Vermont, sister Mary Savitsky (David) of Vienna, Virginia, sister Deborah Cusimano (Tony) of Vienna, Virginia, and brother David (Linda) of Melbourne, Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Edna Strain. The Strain family would like to extend its gratitude to the Melboure Fire and Rescue units, his neighbor Al Proctor, his close friends Raul and Chuck and all the unnamed others who were always there for him. A celebration of Charles' life, Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, Feburary 9, 2012 at the Holy name of Jesus Catholic Church, 3050 North Highway A1A Indialantic, FL. at 4:00 p.m. Food and drink will be served at 5:30 p.m. at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home at 1360 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, for Family, friends, neighbors, and all who knew Charles are invited to attend. Memorial contributions in Charles' memory can be made to South Brevard German Shepherd Rescue, 1981 Mattison Drive NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905.