Charles Francis Massie

Charles was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 22, 1949. Charles Massie's innovative thinking, creativeness, and vision is how Absolut Vodka, and its iconic bottle and packaging became a household brand in the United States. His forward thinking about Absolut Vodka is the reason for the premium vodka category today. His extensive travel throughout Europe, with his mentor Carlo Russo, a famous pioneer in the wine industry; led him to a little known region in the south of France called the Languedoc; where he would go on to create countless historically rated wines in the 1990's that were all rated by his good friend Robert Parker. His insight into the wine business, and knowledge about wines brought Prosecco to the limelight in America. He made a style of Prosecco that hadn't been seen in the American market. The consumer frenzy on Prosecco sparkling wine that we see now, can be credited to Charles Massie.

Over the years Charles created numerous wines and spirits brands. His passion was making new wine blends and new labels that would resonate with the new generation today. He whole heartily loved this business, and the people in the business loved him even more. Charles Francis Massie was and forever will be a giant icon in the wine and spirits industry. His legacy will leave a lasting impact on future generations. A brilliant mind that will be dearly missed. Charles could always be caught watching TCM in his back room. Anyone who knew him, knew he was a huge movie buff. He loved to sing any Sinatra song, often making up his own versions. Charles' love for golf did not stop with just watching it. He was a semi-pro scratch golfer, who won many tournaments and made sure you knew how many hole-in-ones that he had. (By the way it was 21) Charles also made a name for himself in the kitchen. People near and far lined up for a container of his famous sauce and meatballs; if you are one of the many lucky ones, you know what we are talking about; and don't get us started on his hot peppers… Charles' infectious laughter and smile, which made you feel like you were the only person in the world; was rivaled only by his magnanimous personality. Truly larger than life.

In 1971, Charles married Joy Ema Christensen.They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Stephanie. Ultimately finding the love of his life Lori Dalton-Massie, and marrying her in 1999. Lori and Charles went on to have his daughter Lily Grace in 2001. Charles and Lori took great pride in nurturing a beautiful family life, that included all of his girls and a long list of family and friends. For Charles and Lori, the next chapter of their love story was to be set in their beautiful oasis in Wellington, Florida. Charles was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers, John and Michael. Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Lori Ann Dalton-Massie; his three loving daughters, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Lily Grace; his adoring granddaughters, Sophia and Emma; his long time business partners Zubin Mehta and Hari Ganne; his protégé Kyle Flandrau and best friend Dino Panopoulos. He will be missed by his brother Billy Milano, his two brother in laws, James and Robert Dalton, his sister in law Stacy, (John) as well his three nephews Michael and Nicholas Bodtmann and Brian McKenna Charles life celebration will include visiting on Tuesday 12/29/20 from 4-8pm, at the Leber Funeral Home 2000 Kennedy Blvd., Union City, N.J. A funeral mass will be offered on Wednesday 12/30/20 at Guardian Angel Church in Allendale, N.J.at a time to be announced. A private commital will follow..

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Charles' name, can be made to a cause that was dear to his heart; Fight 4 Autism ( www.fight4autism.org ) "That's Life!"