Charles F Presser died peacefully in Bay Pines VA Hospice on January 13th 2016 in Saint Petersburg Florida at the age of 70. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Theresa, son Charles Presser Jr., daughter Jennifer Gies (Presser), granddaughter Emily Presser, sister Vernetta Wachta, cousin Wayne Gamache, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Gloria Varanai, sister Helene Belanger, and sister Loretta Taliferro.
Charles was born December 2nd 1945 in Norwalk, Ct. to Virginia Gamache and Frederick Presser. He married Theresa Kurtzenacker in 1972. They settled in Norwalk and had two children, CJ and Jennifer.
Charlie served in the U.S. Army as a Marksmen (Rifle M-14) and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He enjoyed recalling his service time with friends at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 588 in Norwalk, Ct since becoming a member in 2001.
Charlie was a dedicated worker and excellent provider to his family. During his 11 year tenure at Measurement Systems (Norwalk Ct), he earned the nickname “Snake” and became known for his jokes and snappy comebacks. He loved to make people smile! Upon moving on to his next job as night shift supervisor for CVS pharmacy, Charlie continued to delight co-workers and make friends. He continued in this profession until having a stroke at age 55.
Charlie’s retirement dream was to move with his wife to Saint Petersburg Florida to be close to his sister Gloria, sister Mickey, and Floridian relatives. That dream came true in 2012. He loved being outside in the beautiful weather, throwing back a cold Budweiser, enjoying a smoke. He had a knack for puzzle making and frequently mounted/framed puzzle pics for friends and loved ones. Hidden object games and all things computer were hobbies he really put his all into. He had a passion for old western movies, country music, and war documentaries. He also loved to spoil his cat Olive, named from his favorite cartoon Popeye. He had a true gift of storytelling and a joke for any occasion. His sense of direction was uncanny from his years of driving a school bus and could tell you how to get anywhere no matter how long it had been. He, of course, would never stop to ask for directions (Ely/Presser vacation)!! Charlie was a reliable and trustworthy friend to all.
A memorial service is scheduled for January 17th 2016 from 3-6pm at the Village Green Clubhouse-2001 83rd Ave North, St.Petersburg Florida 33702. Jerry Brown will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Charlie’s life. Donations may be made to gofundme.com/charliepresser. A second memorial service in Ct will be held in February. The family would like to thank Bay Pines VA Hospice and Suncoast Hospice for their dedication and care.
Theresa , Charlie & Jen, may God bless you all…I worked with Charlie during his years @ Measurement Systems. What a character.. & a great guy.. He was always a quick wit & would greet you every day with a cheerful “pardon me boy.. is that the cat that chewed the new shoes?” which kind of became his signature phrase…even after many of us went onto different workplaces whenever any of us would get together on occasion someone would always ask if they’d seen or heard from “the snake”.. then we’d share a Charlie story & remember back to those times. Charlie~ GBY~ you will be missed..
I also worked at Measurement Systems with Al Mateycik, Charlie, and so many others. We had many fun moments to mention here. I never called him snake because I thought he be upset, but he told me that he lived the nickname. He used it himself many times and always laughed with us during breaks, lunch, and all those great times at company picnics or Christmas parties. I did see him many times at CVS years later. Lost track of him recently until reading his obit, which now all makes sense. I will miss him greatly. Love and hugs to his wife, Theresa, and the kids.