Charles "Charlie" Angelo Pecora, age 88, passed on April 29, 2026. A Visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 309 S Stewart Rd, Liberty, MO 64068, on May 2, 2026, at 12:30 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass at the same location on May 2, 2026, at 1:30 pm. A Rite of Committal will take place at Glenridge Cemetery, B Hwy, Liberty, MO 64068, on May 2, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Charlie was born on August 11, 1937, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Benjamin and Hallie (Greco) Pecora. As a first-generation Sicilian American, Charlie was raised in a culture that held religion, family, and food at its very center; values that would define him throughout his life.
Charlie graduated from Christian Brothers High School in St. Joseph before going on to earn a BA in Economics from Benedictine College in 1959. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Europe during his time of service.
It was after his return home that Charlie met and married the love of his life, Carolyn Joyce Edwards, on February 1, 1969. Together, they built a family and a life full of laughter, debate, and devotion. Charlie and Joyce were blessed with three children: Brenda Jo, Charles William “Billy,” and Michael Angelo “Mike.”
Charlie built a career as a store manager with Pamida, a role that took the family on many moves across the Midwest. In 1987, ready to put down roots and return closer to extended family, Charlie and Joyce purchased Audrey’s Motel in Mound City, Missouri. Charlie became deeply woven into the fabric of that small town community, serving for many years as Mayor of Mound City.
In retirement, Charlie and Joyce returned to Joyce’s hometown of Liberty, Missouri, where they lived for many years in the very home where Joyce had grown up. Two years ago, they transitioned to assisted living, where Charlie continued to be surrounded by family and dedicated caregivers.
Charlie enjoyed making his own wine, loved nothing more than a spirited conversation about politics, and could hold his own in any debate. He had a mischievous sense of humor and delighted in saying something outlandish just to watch the expressions on his children’s and grandchildren’s faces. He was never more himself than when he was in the middle of his family.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Hallie Pecora; and his siblings, Diana Weeks, Marietta Russell, and adopted brother, Frank “Che” Scalisi. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children, Brenda Kubicki (Brian) of Phoenix, AZ, Billy (Lilly) of Waterbury, CT, and Mike (Jodi) of Kansas City; his grandchildren, Sarah, Tim, and Conor Kubicki, and Andrew Pecora; his great-grandchildren, Rex and Julian Kubicki; his brother, Ben Pecora (Mary Ruth); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Laurel at Norterre and Ascend Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.
