Charles (Charlie) Abela

Charles (Charlie) Abela passed away peacefully at his home on March 27, 2017. Charlie was born February 1, 1927 in San Francisco, the son of Maltese immigrants Marianna (nee Galea) and Giovanni (John) Abela. He married Peggie Ellsworth in 1965 and moved to Corte Madera. Peggie passed away in 1998 after a lengthy illness, having been cared for by Charlie in their home for more than a decade.

Charlie was raised in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood in a close-knit family along with his surviving sister, Louise Camilleri, his departed sister Nancy and his departed brothers Anthony and baby Charles. From loving parents and modest beginnings, Charlie learned the importance of caring for one’s family and for serving others. These tenets guided his spirit and actions, and his charity and generosity knew few bounds.

Charlie joins in heaven his departed brother-in-law Leslie Camilleri and his stepson Bryce Ellsworth. He is survived by his sister-inlaw Theresa (nee Camilleri) Abela, sister-in law Elena Dames, seven niece and nephews and their spouses, six great nieces and nephews, three grandchildren and one spouse, eight great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.

Charlie was alternatively described as a “Jack-ofall-trades,” a “Renaissance man” and a “Bon vivant.” He was an accomplished maritime engineer, a favored student of Clessie Cummins (of diesel engine fame), the celebrated co-founder of Napa Valley’s Round Hill Cellars and a homemade philanthropist. He had a passion for good food and wine, raising fruits and vegetables in his garden, boating and fishing, story telling and conversation. Late in life he adopted Buddy, a Jack Russell terrier, who was his constant companion for many years.

Charlie was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, a leader of the Husbands Caregiver Support Group of the Alzheimer’s Association, Northern California Chapter and a proud member of the Italian Catholic Federation and the Saint Patrick Parish Helping Hands Ministry. He will be remembered and missed by his family and the countless friends that he cherished.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Parish, 114 King Street (at Magnolia) in Larkspur.