Dr. Charles Quintin BeLusko

Charles, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in Portland, Oregon surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in 1950 in Portland, Charles was raised Catholic in a close-knit Slavic family alongside his three brothers. The values of faith, hard work, loyalty, and service shaped him from an early age and remained the foundation of his life.

Charles met the love of his life, Kathleene, while they were both six years old and attending Cathedral School. Their childhood friendship blossomed so rapidly that they got into trouble for talking too much and Charles was transferred to Chapman Elementary – but you couldn’t separate Charles and Kathleene! Their friendship soon became a lifelong love story that spanned decades. Together they built a marriage rooted in unwavering devotion, shared faith, laughter, and an abiding commitment to family.

Inspired by a calling to serve others, Charles graduated from Portland State University and OHSU Dental School. After dental school, he began his career in public health, caring for patients who otherwise had little access to dental care.

Together, Charles and his wife, Kathy, took the leap of opening their own dental practice, building it through faith, perseverance, and hard work. The early days were humble, with patients few and far between, but Charles never measured success by the size of his practice. He opened his doors to those in need, providing care to many through Blanchet House and Rose Haven Day Shelter for families in crisis. Throughout his career, he treated every patient with dignity, compassion, and respect, believing that every person deserves excellent care.

While starting the practice, Charles and Kathleene maintained and deepened their conviction in the Church and raised four children, four grandchildren and created a home where everyone was welcomed with warmth, good food and a smile.

Catholic faith was the guiding force throughout Charles’ life. He faithfully served his parish throughout the years as a member of the St. Thomas More Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister, embodying his faith through humble service, generosity, and love. His witness was not only found in the church pews, but in the way he cared for his family, patients, friends, and neighbors every day.

As a father, Charles invested deeply in his children’s lives. He believed education opened doors and created opportunities, encouraging curiosity, hard work, and adventure. He filled family life with memorable travels, especially along the Oregon coast, where countless cherished days were spent at the family’s beach house in Lincoln City. His example of service inspired the next generation, with two of his children becoming dentists and another dedicating a career to nursing.

Charles’ greatest joy was creating beauty and sharing it with others. He was a visionary gardener whose yard became a living masterpiece of waterfalls, koi ponds, exotic and native plants, and peaceful places that invited conversation and reflection. He spent his last days listening to the waterfall in his garden and drew his last breath listening to its soothing sound. Charles also loved caring for his dogs, especially his beloved Schnauzers, whose companionship brought him endless happiness.

Charles loved to cook and almost always prepared dinner at home for his family. The kitchen was one of the centers of his life, where meals became celebrations and friends were always welcome. Whether hosting holidays, gathering loved ones around the table, or simply preparing an ordinary weeknight meal, he expressed his love through generous hospitality.

Charles also had a remarkable gift for making people smile. Charles’ sense of humor became family tradition: Thanksgiving phone calls complete with his signature fake turkey gobble, Christmas greetings announced by the ringing of jingle bells, playful music, and the treasured teddy bear that delighted children and grandchildren alike. His laughter was infectious, his jokes legendary, and his ability to find joy in everyday moments made everyone around him feel at home.

Charles’ legacy lives on through his family including his beloved wife, Kathleene; his children, Paul (Amber), Anne (Shawn) and Katherine (Daniel); his grandchildren John, Esther, Noah and Ben; as well as his brothers Joe (Marsha) and Dave (Collie). He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen BeLusko, his brother Tom BeLusko as well as his beloved son, John.

Charles also touched the lives of countless friends, neighbors, employees, and patients, who were blessed by his kindness, humor, and unwavering faith.

Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on July 17, 2026. A Rosary service will begin at 8am, with the Funeral Mass at 9am. A brief burial procession and ceremony at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery will follow the Mass at approximately 10:30am.

Above all, Charles will be remembered for a life of faithful service. He loved deeply, gave generously, served faithfully, and found joy in caring for others. His life reminds us that greatness is measured not by recognition, but by the love we give, the lives we serve, and the acts of faith we perform each day.