Charles “Charlie” Patrick Fiumera: “Good-Hearted Charlie” left his family and friends to be with our Lord. “Good-Hearted Charlie” was the third child of Frank and Rachel Fiumera. He was born in Walton on July 8, 1926, and passed away on July 9, 2021. In Walton High School, Charlie played football, baseball, and basketball. In 1944, he was the captain of the football team that was undefeated, untied and unscored upon… In Walton, that had never occurred before. After high school, he joined the United States Navy. He could not swim. When he was compelled to jump into the water, a fellow shipmate saved him from drowning. Since he was such a good marksman, the Merchant Marine ships which delivered goods, took Charlie aboard as a gunner. He was on 11 different ships, and he was awarded the American Theater Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal and European Theater Medal. He was discharged at Lido Beach, Long Island, on May 21, 1946. Charlie was a member of the American Legion for 75 years.
When Charlie came home from the service, he married Viola Beecher on Sept. 1, 1946. They had been engaged for two years. They had hoped to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on Sept. 1 of this year, but God needed Charlie now. Viola and Charlie purchased the Western Auto Store in 1950. Unfortunately, after 50 years, the store burned to the ground. In the aftermath of the fire, Charlie then began selling real estate with Ogden Real Estate, and he continued to pursue his passion of deer hunting and fishing. As he got older, deer hunting became his favorite sport and he shot a buck deer almost every year from age 20 to age 94. Last year he shot a buck deer in his underwear from the patio. Charlie enjoyed spending time with his four children on Sundays, the only day in which he did not work. In the winter, he enjoyed ice fishing and sleigh riding with his kids. In the fall, he enjoyed making apple cider from the apple trees which lined his property. There were always lots of friends and family on Sundays, making cider in the old wine press. He later retired to spend winters in Florida with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He lived in Walton during the summer, where he thrived on watching the deer and turkeys in his backyard.
He is survived by his wife, Viola Fiumera, and three children: Dr. C. Christopher Fiumera, (Nancy), Deborah Bayus, (Ken), and Therese (Teri) Pike, (Joseph). He was predeceased by his daughter, Delaine, (Dede) Colombarini. He is survived by three grandchildren: Dr. Anthony Fiumera (Heather), Tanner Pike, and Dana Fogg Esteban. He is also survived by five great grandchildren: Maximus Fiumera, Koby Fogg, Gianna Fogg, Emma Esteban, and Desmond Esteban.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 23, from 6-8 p.m. at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 24, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 25 Benton Avenue, Walton with Rev. Edward Golding officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton. A celebration of Good-Hearted Charlie’s life will be held at the Rainbow Lodge, 440 Rainbow Lodge Road, Walton on Saturday, July 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. where family and friends can gather to share memories and stories of a life well-lived.
Memorial contributions in Charlie’s memory may be made to Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 25 Benton Avenue, Walton, NY 13856.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message for Charlie’s family, visit his online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com.
