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I first met Chuck
when I started 3rd grade at P. S. Number 19,
after our family moved to 973 West Avenue, in 1944.
Chuck lived on the next block, at 1073.
After grammar school, we attended Lafayette High School
together, and in
1953, I pledged for Charlie's "frat", Tau Zeta
Tau Fraternity, a highlight of my young life.
Charlie was the fraternity treasurer, collecting 25
cents at each weekly meeting and handing out fines
to miscreant members.
The fraternity held dances, "weenie roasts",
hayrides and "joint meetings" with LHS sororities.
Chuck, always the handsomest member of our group,
had no trouble finding dates for the events.
He played baseball for Lafayette and lineman on the
football team (along with his older brother Joe),
and when stories were told about those years he
good-naturedly laughed at the ribbing he took about
the time he picked up a fumble and scored a
touchdown, and the Buffalo Evening News
reported "Joe Raccuia's brother scores!"
But we weren't just grammar school and high
school 'acquaintances'. Years later, Chuck
would join me and other TZT 'brothers' for golf,
including several trips to Florida; for Bills
football games; UB basketball games, and weekly
get-togethers for dinner or lunch.
Chuck was always impeccably
dressed and remained the handsomest guy in the
'gang'. He could converse on any subject, tell
jokes (and almost remember the punch lines), and was
one of the most generous men I've known. He
loved his siblings and showered his generosity on
them as well, and never tired of praising his
daughters and their families.
His passing saddens us immensely. He'll be
remembered fondly. |
