​Charlie was born in the Bronx and lived there for over a third of his life. He later lived in Manhattan and Queens. He spent forty-seven years in various positions and companies in the life and health insurance industry. He met his wife, Dorothea, of forty-plus years while on a business trip to Long Island. He and his wife moved to St. James in 1986 and raised three daughters and a number of dogs. After 9/11, Charlie was a founding member of a volunteer first aid squad within his company.

​He eventually took over the medical responder program at his company, including training employee volunteers in CPR and first aid. Charlie’s involvement with his church includes being an usher. Upon retirement he looked for a worthwhile endeavor to devote his spare time to and found Celebrate St. James.