Charles Edward di Girolamo was born in Bay Shore, NY September 23rd of 1956 to Marjorie (Gahn) and the late Rodney T. di Girolamo.

Charles was always a hard worker, the middle child of five, was proud of being raised in what he called "di Girolamo Boot Camp," and never missed a chance to remind his own children of one his favorite phrases, "Dig we must."  Charles spent many years in his youth participating in the United States Naval Sea Cadets program where he learned valuable lessons at sea that he carried throughout his life.  He had several paper routes as a young boy, delivered pizzas, and continued to work throughout his college years culminating with employment at OSHA.  He moved to Syracuse, NY for his first professional job at Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. after graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in Power Systems Electrical Engineering.  A few years later, he realized how much he missed his family, and he returned to his beloved Long Island.  He worked ten years for the local utility LILCO.  During this time he was set up on a blind date with his wife Kathy by his sister Eileen and Kathy's brother David, where they quickly fell in love, and were married in 1984.  Charles was a consummate romantic and he and Kathy shared a love unmatched that spanned 40 years just this past June 16th, 2024.

Five years were spent starting their life in Ridge, N.Y. with their first golden, Oliver and their first born son, Kevin.  When Charles was offered a job at Salem Nuclear Power Plant, they moved with their two children Kevin and newly born Maggie and headed to Delaware where they have resided for the last 33 years.  In that time they added sweet Quinn to their family to complete their family unit of five.  Charles worked at the Delaware City Refinery for many years bringing his colleagues regular deliveries of NY style bagels and his favorite Dunkin Donuts coffee and treats.  He continued these types of traditions with a wonderful crew at Sergeant and Lundy Engineering firm, ending his career with his own company MaVIS, that he began with his beloved buddy Joe.  In addition to his career, he was also happy to be working alongside his brother Ed, expanding and exploring the benefits of HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy.  In his later career, he enjoyed his flexible hours so he could be available to his family, especially to his 2 grandchildren who called him "Cha Cha," and he in turn called them his "Gifts from God."  Beside his children and grandchildren, Charles greatly enjoyed all his four legged babies.  He treasured all five of his golden retrievers and is survived by his 60th birthday gift, Loona.

Charles enjoyed his many 5pm Saturday night masses at St. Mary of the Assumption Church.  It was here that he and Kathy raised their children in the Catholic faith, meeting a wonderful community of families along the way.  The family participated in many different church organizations where Charles volunteered his skills, strength and his truck for many years including: Meals on Wheels, Lazarus Committee, Vacation Bible School, Knights of Columbus, JAMM, CYM, Thanksgiving Baskets, Adopt a Family and was an Honorary member of GIFT, helping his wife Kathy with her many endeavors in the church.

All he ever wanted in life was to be with his wife, his children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends.  He treasured them all and showed it every day of his life in his actions no matter how big or small.  He was a faithful man and believed we would all be together again someday, and until then he would say "Do your best and forget the rest."

Charles was a friend to all, and had a great sense of humor, even when the joke was aimed at him.  He was always first to respond to any call for help.  He loved movies, especially science fiction, action, and fantasy.  He was a man who was gifted with any tool he put his hands on, and was especially skilled at woodworking. He used these skills to improve the lives around him, always offering his expertise and vast tool collection.  He loved the holidays, especially Christmas (a true Clark Griswald), blueberries, constellations, a good steak dinner, Dunkin Donuts coffee, cheesecake, $2 bills, and a trip to Costco. His most treasured memories were spent over the summer visiting his "Shangri-La" on Mt. Desert Island, Maine.  Here he enjoyed the serenity and adventure of Acadia National Park with his kids, watching the sunrise on Cadillac mountain, playing Farkle on the beach with Kathy, searching the skies at night with his son-in-law Billy for satellites, and walking the Shore Path after breakfast at Jordan's. Above all he loved his God, his family, and his country.

Charles is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy Shaw-di Girolamo; his children and their spouses, Kevin di Girolamo and Sarah Savery, Maggie and Billy McGuire, and Quinn di Girolamo; his grandchildren, Clare and Flynn McGuire; his mother Marjorie di Girolamo; his siblings, Kathy Hamilton (Gordon), Vinny di Girolamo (Susanna), Edward di Girolamo (Crystal), Eileen Shaw (David); in-laws, Margie Rummel, Matt and Linda Shaw, Trish and Woody Thurman; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is predeceased by his father Rodney T. di Girolamo, brother Thomas di Girolamo and in-laws Mary and Michael Shaw.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27 at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE from 5:30-7:30PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 28 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church at 11:00AM. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com.