Charles Gerard Fertitta Sr.

Charles G. Fertitta, age 71, of Missouri City, Texas, died Monday, the 19th of February 2018. Charles lived a vibrant and meaningful life and at the end fought to see his last days with courage and bravery surrounded by the loving support of his family. Charles was a beloved and impactful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor. He was a proud American and instilled this pride in his children and grandchildren.

Charles was honored to serve his country as an officer in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973 during the Vietnam War. He served as the Executive Officer of the 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the famed “Black Sheep”, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. When the Wing deployed from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, to Takhli, Republic of Thailand in 1972, Charles proudly served with distinction as the Wing Executive Officer and later during his tour as the Wing Chief of Staff during combat operations. Captain Fertitta returned from Thailand and entered civilian life in 1973.

Mr. Fertitta enjoyed a fruitful career in the oil and gas business. He effectively spent his entire career with the same organization as it morphed through multiple mergers and acquisitions and ultimately retired as a Director of Elwood Texas Forge in 2012.

Charles was an active member of the community. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, was a member of the Order of the Arrow, and served as the Advancement Chair of Troop 1656 in Richmond, Texas.

Charles is preceded in death by his grandparents, Josie & Charlie Fertitta, and Lena and Joe Ippolito; his dad, Joseph F “Pep” Fertitta; mother in law, Flora Hale Naquin, and brother in law, Gerald Syler: and his beloved aunts and uncles, Marietta Fertitta, Sr. JoRita Fertitta, Roseanne Fertitta, Olivia “Aunt Wea” Serio, Joe Serio, Charlie Fertitta, and Charley Messina.

Charles is survived by his wife Phyllis, his children, Anna and her husband, Nathan, and Charles, Jr. and his wife, Gina; the joy and happiness of his life, his grandchildren, Ethan, Micah, and Giuliana; his mother, Nancy Fertitta, and his siblings, JoAnnette, Joseph, and his wife, Sandy, and Donald; and his beloved aunts and uncle, Annette Messina, and Charlene and Carlo Busceme; cousins by the dozens, wonderful nieces, nephews, and delightful great-nieces and nephews; sisters in law and brother in law, Nancy, Minette, Jan, Christine and Tom.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 25th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.

In addition, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77702, on Saturday, the 3rd of March, at one o'clock in the afternoon for his family and friends.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that contributions in memory of Charles be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030-4123 or Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1656, c/o Rick Goosen, Treasurer, 21314 Shawnee Park Drive, Richmond, Texas 77406 or a United States Veterans charity of your choice.