Charles W. Reckard

CHARLES WILLIAM RECKARD, “Charlie” to his many friends, died peacefully March 21, 2018 at the Miriam Hospital, surrounded by family, his loving wife, Lucia O’Reilly, and with their therapy dog Copper by his side. He was 61. Charlie was born in Providence on October 25, 1956, the son of Brown University Chaplain, the late Edward C. “Pete” Reckard and the late Susanna McWhorter Reckard. Charlie grew up in Claremont CA, attended the Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India, and graduated from Danville High School in Danville, KY. He graduated from Brown University in 1978 with a degree in Political Science.For several years, Charlie was a fixture in the vibrant downtown Providence scene, bartending and managing the Brown Grad Center Bar, Pot au Feu, Leo’s and other restaurants and nightclubs. It was at the legendary Leo’s where Charlie met fellow bartender and future wife, the artist Lucia O’Reilly.After leaving the service industry, Charlie worked for more than twenty-five years at Cox Communications, where he was a producer, director, editor and audio engineer specializing in live event programming. He is the recipient of four Emmy Awards for excellence in broadcasting.If the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame had a category for fan and supporter of local music, Charlie would certainly qualify for a nomination. With his wide-ranging knowledge, love of all kinds of music, along with his generosity of spirit, Charlie was consistent throughout his life in his support of the arts and music in particular. Even as his health declined, Charlie made it a point to attend any concert or art opening he was able. Remembered by many for his infectious smile and kind and gentle manner, Charlie was a friend to all.In addition to his wife Lucia O’Reilly, Charlie leaves his brothers Scott Reckard, of Laguna Beach, CA, and wife Andrea Adelson; Frank Reckard of Santa Fe, NM, and wife Joanie Berde; Matthew Reckard of Ester, AK; and Mark Reckard, of Nashville, TN, and Santa Monica, CA.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Friends of Woodstock School http://www.fwsfoundation.org/index.php/get-involved/donate-form, or to the charity of your choosing that you think Charlie would like.A celebration of the life of Charlie will take place in Providence at a time and location to be announced. Check the Facebook page of “Charles Reckard” for details.