Charles Philip Cangemi

“Hello dear.” A greeter, a charmer, an easy conversationalist, always polished and mannerly in an endearing way, Charlie made sure you were noticed and felt comfortable in any group. “Extrovert” hardly covers the ground – Charlie loved people, whether he knew them or not, and made fast friends with baristas, bartenders, clerks at stores, co spectators at sports, neighbors, whoever he had the pleasure to encounter.

His approach to people seemed completely open and receptive. He was disposed toward understanding where people were coming from, honoring who they were and what choices they had made. Simply put, Charlie always made you feel good about yourself and commanded instant love and respect.

Soon enough, you’d witness Charlie’s sharp intellect, reflecting a lifetime of insatiable reading, questioning, observing. That all led to confident analysis, and if you didn’t initially see the light of a particular political or economic point of view, not to worry – he wouldn’t give up on you, he’d stick with the project of convincing you.

The third oldest of 8 children, he was a family man through and though. He had an uncompromisable work ethic, founding and running a small business that was family oriented and successful for over 25 years. Lovingly referred to as "Mr Charlie" by all who worked for him - he was not a boss, or of more importance, he was just one of the guys.

Charlie was an athlete: precise, focused, successful. But he was never arrogant or overbearing. He found so much delight on the golf course - a game that connected him with his father, his brothers and closest friends. Likewise, seeing his children excelling at sports could not have made him prouder. A highlight of his athletic career was a varsity basketball game in New York City. We heard, more than once, about his jump ball against Lew Alcindor, Kareem Jabbar.

Charlie’s humor was a winning characteristic. He never took himself so seriously that he couldn’t come up with some self-deprecating comment, in the nick of time. He had the best one-liners, delivered with a twinkle in his eye. It is no coincidence that he led a colorful life - many tales of which should never be told, but always remembered by the fortunate few.

His approach to his illness was remarkable: pragmatic, straightforward, making every physical effort he could to keep fit and as capable as was possible. You would never hear a complaint, or self-pity – no sarcastic or cynical responses – no anger, redirected at others because of his situation. He resolutely put one foot in front of the other, whatever that meant in the moment. After surviving one particularly threatening situation this summer, he commented - “Look all I really want to do is watch the Ravens win this Fall.

A man of faith, strength and grace.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Saint Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate Harbor, followed by a reception at Hatherly Country Club. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlie's memory can be made to NVNA and Hospice at https://www.nvna.org