Charles "Chuck" Prezioso

Born on December 4, 1927, in Rockford, Illinois to second generation Italian immigrants, Chuck was a phenomenal athlete. After military service in Korea achieving the rank of Sargent, Chuck was heavily recruited to play football. He chose to follow fellow Rockfordian, Rex Enright, to the University of South Carolina over the University of Illinois.

It was there he met and married his sweetheart Annie Lou Oswald, a blonde-haired blue-eyed cheerleader at Carolina. Over their 69-year marriage they raised 4 athletic boys, Charles Jr. (Roxanna), David (Ann), Bryan-deceased (Jen), and James (Heather).

Lou ruled the household with an iron hand while Chuck prospered in his chosen field as a partner in Cooper Motor Lines. Chuck retired at 62 shortly after Swift Transport bought Cooper. After his retirement Lou and Chuck traveled the world. Eventually falling in love with Flathead Lake, Montana, and summering there for 22 years. The rest of their time was spent between Columbia and North Litchfield Beach.

Chuck was recognized by USC as it's last three sport Letterman earning varsity Letters in Football, Basketball and Golf. He and Lou were very active in their sons' athletic endeavors.

Chuck attracted friends everywhere he went. His quick wit, gentle needle, and kindness kept him in great demand. His golf prowess continued into his late eighties playing in the low seventies routinely. He always preferred the company of "the lunch bunch" and "card room boys" at Columbia Country Club which he lorded over for 60 years.

A celebration of Chuck's extraordinary life will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday September 29th, at St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Trenholm Rd. in Columbia. The family will receive friends after the celebration.

Memorials may be made in Chuck's honor to The DuPre Prezioso Scholarship at the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation PO Box 286, Irmo, SC 29063 or St. Michael's Episcopal Church 6408 Bridgewood Rd., Columbia, SC 29206