Charles Lombardo Obituary

Charles Lombardo, born in the Bronx, New York in 1944 to Richard and Louise Lombardo, passed away on May 6, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice Center in Port Jefferson, New York. A proud American of Italian descent, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, Charles lived a life full of laughter, warmth, and an unwavering love for those closest to him.

As a young man, Charles pushed up his draft to enlist and proudly served as a United States Army veteran. Long before he became a husband and father, he was a devoted and loving son—caring for his parents, Richard and Louise, throughout their lives in a way that set the standard for the kind of family man he would become.

A self-proclaimed certified bachelor for much of his life, Charles liked to say that all changed when he met Joanne in 1983. The two were married in the Bronx and went on to build a life rooted in family, love, and shared joy—first in the Bronx, and later in Lake Grove, New York, where they raised their family and where he spent his later years.

A natural salesman and entrepreneur, Charles spent the better part of his life building businesses and serving customers with the same charm and energy he brought to everything else. His work ethic, his confidence, and his ability to connect with people made him as successful in business as he was beloved at home.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; his four children—James, Robert, Matthew, and Daisy; his daughters-in-law Rose (wife of James), Jessica (wife of Robert), and Paulina (wife of Matthew); and his ten cherished grandchildren—Brandon, Brock, Alyssa, Thomas, Sophia, Carlie, Emelia, Niko, Hailey, and Kendall—each of whom brought him immense pride and happiness. He is also survived by his brothers Richard and Frederick, and by many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Louise, and by his brothers Sal and Louis.

More than anything, Charles will be remembered for his personality—one that filled every room with energy, humor, and heart. No matter how he was feeling, if you asked Charles how he was doing, his answer was always the same, delivered with full conviction: “FANTASTIC.”

He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought, and the kind of father who taught lessons that reached far beyond his own children—shaping nieces, nephews, friends, and anyone lucky enough to spend time around him. Among the words he lived by and passed down:

​•“There is no such thing as can’t—those words aren’t in our vocabulary.”

​•“Even a fish keeps out of trouble if he keeps his mouth shut.”

​•“Fathers you can have a hundred—but mothers, only one.”

Charles had a way of turning friends into family. His door was always open, his table always welcoming, and he was never without a quick-witted joke ready to make you laugh. He loved the things that made life rich—a Yankee game in the Bronx, a Broadway show, a night out in Manhattan, the theater, a great meal, and any pastry or dessert he could get his hands on. He loved ice cream, he loved a good movie, and most of all, he loved the people he was lucky enough to share it all with.

He will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the laughter he shared so easily, the wisdom he passed down without pretense, and the way he made everyone feel like they belonged.

To know him was to love him—and to love him was to understand what it meant to live life “FANTASTIC.”

Funeral and memorial service details to follow.

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