Charles M. Bivona

Born 12/03/1945

Our dad was a fun loving partying guy. He was a member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed many careers in his life time. In his early years he was a vending machine repair and service representative for his father's long time business, 3B Vending. He was a part time disc jockey with a radio show in the mid seventies and the occasional bartender. His most favorite of all of his jobs and hobbies was as a chef. Charles was a phenomenal cook and his specialty was of course- Italian food! His lasagna was too delectable. HEAVY and cheesy! He went out of his way to make special foods for his grandchildren with dietary choices, allergies or needs. He never left anyone out when he made meals. He always kept us all in mind. He would go out of his way to cook five extra things just to suit everyone's needs. He took great pride in pleasing his family with food. He made the best omelet with asparagus this side of Texas!

Charles was always full of love and advice for anyone who struggled. He truly had the best intentions and wanted to help anyone in trouble. His heart was full of love and forgiveness. He was always up for a good time and a good party. His love of music and comradery were second to none. There isn't a room he didn't enter where he didn't charm the pants off of everyone! He began to love country music a bit later in life and would play his music on his phone regardless of what was going on around him.

His first and most important loves were his grandchildren. He adored each and every one of them and they could do no wrong in his eyes. Almost to a fault. He spent countless hours taking his grandchildren to where they needed to go, helping them with homework and never missed a performance at school. He truly spoiled them. In early sixties he took up acting. He made a short film and took lessons, which he included his granddaughter Marina in, who went on to star in a film and is now a professional performer. She credits her Poppy for this. He loved his children unconditionally and was truly a father you could share anything with. He rarely got angry at your mistakes and would always let you know that mistakes are forgiven and he was always there for you with love and kindness. He did have a temper... don't mess with his family. That was a cardinal rule.

In the end he found the love of an amazing woman, Glenda. She proved to be his light and his path to a happier, more fulfilling existence. They enjoyed having cocktails and appetizers with music and dancing. My dad loved to dance and he was damn good at it too! He was a tap dancer in his youth. His love of dance and music was passed on to all of his kids and grandchildren.

He is survived by his four children; Cherise Marie Bivona, Daniel Xavier Bivona II, Rebecca Jane (Bivona) Brady and Kristen Meredith Bivona; a son-in-law, Darin Charles Brady; seven grandchildren, Marina Petrano, Claudia Petrano, Allura Bivona, Isabella "Stormea" Bivona Taylor, Seven Smith, Aniah Mae Snyder and Elena Zuppardo; and his loving girlfriend whom he recognized as his wife, Glenda Anderson. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Stephen J. Snyder, Jr.

He made some mistakes along the way... but who hasn't? He was a man of faith and had the opportunity to make peace with God and feel peace in the end. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 4pm at Serenity Funeral Home.