Charles P. Zucco
Family & friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 from 4 – 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107), Revere, for Charles P. Zucco, “Charlie the Barber,” who died on Sunday, July 29th at Epoch of Melrose, following a long illness, at 74 years. His funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Thursday, August 2nd at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service in the funeral home at 12 Noon. Charlie was born & raised in East Boston, attended East Boston schools & was a 1958 alumnus of East Boston High School. He went on to graduate from New England School of Barbering in June of 1961. From October of 1961 through August of 1962, he served with the United States Air Force, during the Viet-Nam era. He continued his Air National Guard Service through 1968. Early in his career, he was head barber & stylist for the former City-Mart Department Store in Downtown Boston. In 1964, he opened his Barber Shop at the Orient Heights Square location on Bennington St., where he remained for 48 years, until retiring in May of 2011 due to failing health. Charlie’s parents, the late Peter & Grace (Crisafulli) Zucco, were the founders & proprietors of “Gracie’s Bakery,” on the Orient Heights-Winthrop Bridge, only yards away from where would one day be home to their son’s barber shop, “Charlie’s Barber Shop,” for over 48 years. As a young boy and all through high school, Charlie & his siblings worked in the “Bakery” after school, on weekends, during school vacations, etc. Over the years, his parents & siblings, & particularly Charlie, developed “Bakers’ Lung Disease” from the flour dust & coal dust which fueled the ovens. Little did any of the medical community, at that time, put much credence in the long-standing effects of working within those conditions. Charlie’s shop was the hub of all things, newsy & social. Charlie became a mentor to many, certainly a friend to many of the elderly clients he served, often serving them at their homes or in nursing facilities, refusing any monetary renumeration. Charlie leaves his beloved wife of 45 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Pedersen). After living in Orient Heights, East Boston, they moved to Melrose in 1975, where they remained. He is the devoted Father of Lisa M. Pirelli & her husband Edward J., Jr. of Melrose, & Peter L. Zucco & his partner Paul J. Reardon of South Boston. He is the Dear brother to: Julia “Sis” Bidmead & her husband Warren T. of San Ramon, California, & the late Dr. Angelo J. “Sonny” Zucco. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, & cousins. He is especially survived by his two canine “Grandsons,” Max & Tucker, who brought him much joy & comfort over the past 8 years. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Hallmark Health Hospice & VNA Inc., 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148.
Services
Visiting Hours
Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 from 4 – 8 p.m.
Funeral Service
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 at 12 Noon in the Funeral Home.
Interment
Will be private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Hallmark Health Hospice & VNA Inc., 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148.
RIP Charlie. Although I moved out of the area and stopped going. You were a great guy and a great Barber. Glad I stopped in to say goodbye before I left.
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing.
He was a good friend and I spent many fun hours at the shop in East Boston.
Several of my friends also loved going to Charlie’s… always a good laugh to be had.
I felt I knew Peggy and Peter and Lisa from talking with Charlie.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I would like to offer my condolences to the Zucco family. Charlie was my family’s barber. My father Dick, uncle Mark, uncle Jack, brother Tom, my son Chris, nephews Marc, T.J. and JJ. We all had our hair cut by Charlie. Ha gave some of them their first cuts. Actually, we didn’t just go to get our hair cut ….. we went to “Charlie’s.” We would find out what was going on in Orient Heights. He would talk about his family, trips you folks went on, projects Peter was working on. He was a proud father. Occasionally I would even find out something about my families past that I never knew. Charlie was always patient and kind to my uncle Jack. He knew when we were due and overdue. I always looked forward to going up to see Charlie. I know life goes on but since his retirement and now his passing those of us who went to Charlie’s with all it implied now just go for a haircut and that is our loss.
I didn’t know Charlie personally, but as a Co worker of Peggy’s I heard many stories of their beautiful family (especially the grand pups). My deepest sympathy goes to the entire Zucco family.
I was sad to hear of Charlies’ passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him for over thirty year’s. I became a faithful customer of his from the time I was thirteen year’s old until he had to close his shop. He will be greatly missed by all. His family is in my thought’s and prayer’s.
Rest in Peace Charlie.
I was sad to hear of Charlies’ passing.I had the pleasure of knowing him for over thirty year’s. I became a faithful customer of his from the time I was thirteen year’s old until he had to close his shop. He will be greatly missed by all. His family is in my thoughts’ and prayer’s.
Rest in Peace Charlie.
East Boston lost one of its finest this week.Three generations of Berninger men and boys became part of the tradition that was “I have to go to Charlie this week.” Whether it was Dick, Tom, Mike, Jack, Chris, Marc, T.J. or Jeremy, “Charlie the Barber” was always the go-to guy for haircuts. I’ll always remember taking my boys (yes, all 3) to Charlie’s for their school haircuts, summer wiffles or special occassion cuts. For this mother, going with them when they were small was a chance to hear Charlie’s take on many local, state and national issues. Once, when the guys were really little, I even let him trim my bangs. Don’t ask me why. He said, “I can do that;” so, I let him. Charlie, I’ve enjoyed our cellphone talks over the last couple of years, too. Rest now, friend.
So sorry to hear about Charlie, I was one of his customers. Charlie was always cheerful he will be missed.
Lisa, Eddie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I have you all in my thoughts and prayers are with you all vduring this very sad time
My family was blessed the day my brother married into a wonderful .. loving..funny family. My children were blessed to have been lucky enough to call him papa Charlie. We will keep them in our thoughts & prayers forever. Love u more than you know Charlie Rest in Peace.
Love The Racca Family.
Peggy, Lisa, Ed, Peter & Paul – So sorry for your loss! He was such a wonderful guy, and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time.