Charles Salvatore Dolce Jr.

Charles Salvatore Dolce Jr., cherished Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Korean War veteran died Thursday, 3 July after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 79. Charles was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Salvatore Charles Dolce of Brooklyn, New York, son of Italian immigrants and Elizabeth Anna Norris of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, daughter of German-Irish immigrants. In the mid 1940’s Charles relocated to Sacramento with his father, and sister Corrine. He graduated from Sacramento High School, and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. Charles married his high school sweetheart Helen Pestrin on January 5, 1953 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Just weeks following his marriage to Helen he departed for an overseas tour of duty, based near to Osaka, Japan. Throughout his service with the United States Air Force, assigned to the 807th Air Police Squadron, Charles was awarded numerous medals inclusive of: National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. On Charles return from Japan, he and Helen settled in Southern California for several years, near to March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. When his duty assignment in Southern California ended Charles and Helen relocated back to Sacramento, and started their family – Anthony Victor Dolce, and John Charles Dolce. In his civilian life Charles had a career within the Merchandising and Distribution industries. Charles was greatly involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren dedicating countless hours of volunteering with their sporting activities.

Charles was lovingly cared for during his latter years at Sherwood Healthcare Center – His family wishes to extend the greatest of gratitude for the impeccable care and comfort he received on a daily basis. Besides his loving wife of 61 years, Helen Dolce, Charles is survived by his sons Anthony Victor Dolce(Melinda), John Charles Dolce(Sue); Grandsons – Anthony Charles Dolce, Michael Dolce(Amanda), Christopher Dolce and Jason Dolce; Granddaughters – Sarah Dolce, and Katelyn Dolce. Great-Grandson – Everett. Charles was preceded in his death by his parents, and sister Corrine Dolce (Sigl). He is survived by his siblings Lynne Dolce-Disteldrof(Bernard), Joseph Dolce, and Kathleen Dolce. In addition were his sister-in-law Katherine Pestrin-Cox (William), and her daughter Suzanne Stark-Vega (Jorge), among other treasured nieces and nephews. In memorium of Charles, a visitation will be held on Friday, 11 July from 4pm-7pm at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento. A celebratory funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 1333 58th Street, Sacramento, on Saturday, 12 July at 10am interment will take place immediately following the funeral mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the Dolce family is requesting Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.