Chaarles Sapienza passed away at Banner Del Webb Hospital in Sun City West, Ariz., at 72 years of age. Unfortunately, sudden complications developed after being admitted to the hospital for a specific illness and he never recovered.

Chaarlie was born and grew up in the Los Angeles area. He had three brothers (all deceased) and one sister (whereabouts unknown).

Chaarlie served his country in the Marine Corps Reserves and was honorably discharged.

Chaarlie worked 30+ years for the State of California at the DMV. Then, he was the sole caregiver for his ailing mother who had Alzheimer’s. After his mother passed, Chaarlie relocated to Wickenburg where a retired Marine Corps friend of his older brother lived. The two were in Vietnam together and thus a close friendship developed with the Sapienza family. There were lots of BBQs, campouts, etc.

In Wickenburg, Chaarlie volunteered for the Yavapai County Search and Rescue for just a couple of years. Then and until he passed, he spent his time volunteering with the Elks (among other things others would ask help with). He enjoyed being of help to others.

Chaarlie was not a rich man, but what he had he willed to his church. So in lieu of flowers, Chaarlie would want any donations be made in his memory to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wickenburg.

Services for Chaarlie will be Wednesday, May 6, at St. Anthony's - Rosary is at 10 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 10:30 a.m.

His ashes will be interred at a later date at Riverside Military Cemetery in California close to where two of his brothers (Alfred and Ricky) are interred.