Charles Fioravando Lombardi, 99, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a courageous WWII combat veteran, and a Signal and Communications Supervisor. He was part of what’s been called the Greatest Generation of Americans.
Charles was born on June 18,1924 in Bronx, New York to Fioravanti Charles Lombardi and Carmela Fiorelli. Carmela passed away shortly after birth and he was raised by his father and stepmother, Adeline Lombardi. Charles has four half-sisters, Caroline, Delores, Marion, and Rita, and two half-brothers Emelio and Theodore. In the early years, Charles attended a technical trade school in the Bronx and studied industrial programs and aircraft mechanics and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. Prior to entering the military, he was hired as a signal department helper for the New York Central Railroad. He placed his career on hold when he turned nineteen and voluntarily expedited his draft into the Army in order to enter World War II in 1943.
During World War II, he was assigned to the 132nd Ordnance Maintenance Battalion which was part of the 10th Armored Division. His technical skills and aptitude landed him an assignment as an auto mechanic which in reality included many challenging roles from vehicle driver, maintenance, and repair to an occasional infantry post. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge which included the pivotal Battle of Bastogne. His journey to the end of the war moved him through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. His time spent in World War II provided many memories, some very painful, which he often shared through his great storytelling ability. His time spent in World War II was captured in May of 2011 through the Veterans History Project and can be found here at :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYY91Sg1C5Y
After the war, Charles returned to his job with the New York Central Railroad. The job would turn into a life-long career as a railroad professional and supervisor which included offices inside of the historic and iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City. This profession was a family affair started by his Italian immigrant grandfather and first-generation American father both called Charles. A nickname given to his grandfather by a railroad foreman because he had difficulty saying his given name.
In 1947, Charles met the biggest love of his life, Tillie C. Lombardi (maiden name Addeo) at a wedding. They were married on September 25, 1949, at the Lady of Mount Carmel Church in the Bronx. Together they promoted family values and created countless fun memories. Throughout their lives, they lived in New York, Massachusetts, retired to Florida and later relocated to Arizona to be with their adult children and families. They were married for 73 years until Tillie’s passing last December and are now reunited in eternity. Together again, there are dance cards to be filled at the Top Hat, and bowling allies to visit.
Charles is survived by his three children, Nancy M Melbourne (Butch) of Chandler, Arizona, Robert J Lombardi (Michele) of Mesa, Arizona and Daniel Lombardi (Wendy) of Scottsdale, Arizona, along with nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, several adored nieces, nephews, cousins, a half-brother, half-sisters, and extended family.
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Charles’ memory to the US Department of Veterans Affairs or a Veterans Administration near you.
The family would like to thank Pennington Gardens, the Veterans Administration, Two Hearts Home Care and Aegis Hospice for their incredible care and compassion during Charles’ last few years.
A celebration of life will be held on a future date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Lombardi family.
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