Charles Zoolakis

Loving husband, brother, uncle and friend left us unexpectedly but very peacefully on Monday, August 9th at the Sunrise Care Facility in Sandy, Utah where he had resided the last five and a half months. The staff loved Charlie even though he could be a handful at times. Charlie's darling friend Charmaine took Charlie a lot of places everyone didn't get to go. Charmaine even took Charlie about six weeks ago to Willow Creek Park in a van and put him on the tennis court in his wheel chair with his racket to hit with her and show her about tennis. Loving caretaker Tina attended to Charlie so well. He had some wonderful caregivers Mele, Stella, Aaron, Sharlene, and Deb, his sweet adopted sister who gave him all the cookies he wanted along with Holly and her nursing care. I am sure I have forgotten some names and I apologize but Charlie and I thank you all.

Charlie had a new best friend Dennis Rose who he ate all of his meals with. Both veterans and they loved each others company.

Thanks to all our friends and family who visited Charlie and sent him uplifting cards. They helped him get through and he thought he would be coming home which kept him going.

Charlie was born on December 20, 1942 in Carbon County, Utah to Greek immigrant parents Efstratios (Steve) Zoolakis and Helen Bikakis Zoolakis. Charlie is the youngest of three brothers. Member of the Greek Orthodox Church where he has been active most his life.

Growing up Charlie was very active and competitive in sports, basketball, baseball, and played All Conference Football where he played center and linebacker for East Carbon High School.

Charlie attended Carbon College. Three days later was drafted in to the US Army where he served in Vietnam. After he attended the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Recreational Therapy and Social Work. Charlie worked in the Behavioral Health Unit at Primary Children’s Hospital for 36 years. While attending college Charlie reluctantly agreed to play tennis one day and the rest is history as he found his forever sport. Charlie’s 4.5 team went on to compete in the national’s.

Married Helga Christensen and later divorced. Charlie married Sandra Player Ambus on August 21, 2005. Member of Ahepa and VFW Post 3586. Long time season ticket holder at the University of Utah Football games.

Due to agent orange he had a lot of health issues arise and went to live at the Sunrise Care Center where he passed away. The family thanks the staff at Sunrise for their care and goodness they showed Charlie, and would like to thank Inspiration Hospice who checked on Charlie weekly, or if he got hurt from a fall. We also thank Kathy, who was Charlie's personal care assistant a few hours a week.

Survived by his wife Sandra who they referred to each other as Doobie., George/Sharlene, and brothers John/Rena. Stepchildren James/Michelle, Kenny/Lorraine and grandchildren Jessica/Tye, Cody. Great grandchildren Tyler and Kenna. Many wonderful nephews, nieces and cousins here and in Crete, Greece as well as friends and neighbors.

A viewing will be held at St. Anna’s Greek Orthodox Church, 9201 South 1300 East, Sandy, Utah on Monday, August 16, 2021 from 10 to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral following. A makeria (luncheon) following the service. In lieu of flowers donations in Charlie’s name can be made to St. Anna’s Greek Orthodox Church to the Benevolent or Building Fund.

Interment – Price, Utah Cemetery.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL!