Charles Carmello Danna

Charles Danna passed away peacefully on Friday, March 07, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 8, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to Josephine Mazzola and Kelly Danna. Charles grew up in Houston alongside his younger brother — Sam Danna.

Charles graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1948 and attended St. Louis University on a football scholarship. However, at 22, following his father's passing, he returned home to help his mother run Danna Grocery and Meat Market, the family business founded in 1929 on Airline Drive. By day, he worked tirelessly at the store, and in the evenings, he studied income tax courses. Charles was later hired by Mr. Montalbano to prepare spaghetti and meatballs for the Sacred Heart Society of Little York, also known as “The Club,” where he eventually handled bookkeeping for many years. After three decades of service, he retired from the City of Houston in 1988 as the Director of Real Estate.

On February 14, 1954, Charles married the love of his life, Murl Newman, at Christ the King Church. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children. As a family, they enjoyed weekends fishing and crabbing in Bayou Vista. Charles and Murl also cherished their travels across the U.S. with their golf group, where Charles spent his days on the course while Murl explored the local shops. Evenings were filled with laughter, good food, and the company of dear friends.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Charles was best known by his most cherished title—“Pawpaw.” He found great joy in traveling, playing golf, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Houston Astros and the Houston Texans. He also never missed the opportunity to support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their athletic adventures, braving any weather to cheer them on from the stands. An exceptional cook, Charles was renowned for his homemade spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, and other family favorites.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, sibling, son Kent Danna, son-in-law Gerald Wayne Nixon, and granddaughter Holly Frederick.

He is survived by his daughter, Jolene Danna Nixon; his son, Kirk Danna, and wife, Lisa; grandchildren Danna Jankowski and husband, Kirk; Tiffany Jones and husband, Dave; and Gerald Nixon and fiancée, Sarah Renfrow. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren, Brayden Holle, Jace Jankowski, Bryson Jones, Easton Jones, Jett Jones, and Aliyah Perez, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers are Brayden Holle, Kirk Jankowski, Dave Jones, Gerald Nixon, James Palazzolo, Vincent Michael Palazzolo.

Honorary Pallbearers include Jace Jankowski, Bryson Jones, Easton Jones, Jett Jones, and Aliyah Perez.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 11 AM - 12 PM with a Rosary starting at 12 PM at Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home 8303 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77024. The Funeral Rites will be celebrated by Rev. Jim Murphy on Wednesday, March 12 at 12:30 PM Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home 8303 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77024. The Rite of Committal and burial will be at Forest Park Lawndale 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023 at 2 PM.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Louise Jenkins of S&L Sitting Services, Yalonda Newell, Brenda Vincent, Debra Collins, Yvonne Jones, and Vanessa Draper, PRN for their unwavering love and support each day in caring for our loved one.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Charles Danna to: St. Thomas High School 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007.