Obituary of Charles Fischetti

CW4 (R) Charles Fischetti, “Chief” of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, died peacefully at the age of 80 on July 22, 2017, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Charlie was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. He graduated from Crosby High School, and later served 28 years active duty in the United States Army.  During his enlistment as a crypto repairman in Pirmasens, Germany, he met Brigitte Glas in 1959. They married in 1960, and moved back to Waterbury, Conneticut. There, they raised their two sons, Joe and Tom. In 1974, Charlie reentered the service at the age of 38, and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery (NIKE Hercules) in Pirmasens, Germany.  He moved through the ranks, from Private First Class to Warrant Officer over a ten year period in the same battalion.  Charlie transitioned from Nike Hercules to the new Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems (see detailed military bio http://sill-www.army.mil/ada-online/regimental-program/BIOS/fischetti.pdf.) Charlie became an exceptional trainer, and an important mentor and advisor to all ranks within the Air Defense Branch. He continued on with that role after retiring from the Army, and employed with the Raytheon Corporation at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Charlie never sought the glory; he lived and conducted himself in a forceful yet unassuming manner. He took great pride in the success of others. Ever the competitor, he was no shrinking violet, and would fight passionately for what he thought was right. Whether the most junior soldier or the Commanding General, Chief related to everyone and his message was clear to all.

After retiring from Raytheon, Charlie’s last few years were spent with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren in Northern Virginia. He was surrounded by family and close friends, Skip and Patty Jordan. He was a diehard New York Yankees fan, and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He loved animals, and thoroughly enjoyed dancing and being the life of the party.

Charlie was predeceased by his wife, Brigitte. He is survived by his sons, Joseph and Tom, their wives Nicolina and Patty, his grandchildren Nick, Jason, Natalia, and Starlyn, son-in-law, Dale, and two great grandchildren, Selah and Grace.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 26 from 5-8:00 pm at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon, VA. There will be a mass held on July 27 at 11:00 am at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

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