Richard Joseph Charles

Born on August 21, 1949 in Albany, New York to Richard and Jean Charles, Richard Joseph Charles Jr., known to many as "Rick," passed away on March 25, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at his home after a long fight with an illness caused by military service related injuries.

As part of an Air Force Family, Rick spent his childhood living at different Air Force Bases throughout the world, until 1963 when the family settled in North Highlands, CA. Rick graduated high school from Highlands High in 1967. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he spent two tours serving in Vietnam.

Rick met Louise Katherine Heschel, known to many as "Katie," while he was on leave from his first tour in Vietnam. The couple married in 1971 after Rick returned from his second tour in Vietnam. They settled in San Jose, CA where Rick built a thriving pet store business. Shortly after, Rick and Katie had their two daughters, Jennifer & Jaclyn. At this time, Rick shifted careers and started a successful real estate and mortgage business. In 1987, Rick and Katie relocated to Folsom, CA to be closer to family and friends where they raised their daughters and continued his business until he retired in 2008. Unfortunately in 2013, his beloved wife Katie became ill and he devotedly cared for her throughout her illness until she passed in 2015. Since her passing, Rick's health began to decline; he was heartbroken and lost, living without his wife.

Rick was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and humor. He was actively involved in his children's lives both at school and with their extra-curricular activities. Rick was a volunteer while his children were attending St. John's Notre Dame School and enjoyed coaching sports for the school. When his oldest daughter Jennifer married Travis Ostlund in 2011, Rick was blessed with two amazing grandchildren, Vance and Chloe. Rick was their "Papa Charles" and he loved them so much. Whether it was picking them up from school or taking them to their extra-curricular activites, Rick absolutely enjoyed spending any time he could with them. He just loved being around his family and friends. Rick enjoyed music, entertaining and dining out. He had a great love for dogs, especially his dog Molly. His daily mission was to find the best "deal" in town; a bargain sure did make him smile. Rick's loveable personality and giving spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Rick is survived by his mother, children, grandchildren, sisters as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and in-laws. Rick was preceded in death by his father and his beloved wife.

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral mass on Thursday March 30, 2017 at 10AM located at St. Clare Catholic Church in Roseville, CA. Rick will then be laid to rest at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery with his beloved wife in Dixon, CA at 2:30PM.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Rick's life, the family asks that donations be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) at DAV.org or mailed to P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250 under the name of Richard or Rick Charles.