Charles F. Argentati, 92, of Cherry Valley died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 8th at the Millbury Healthcare Center. He leaves his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Gertrude (McKeon) Argentati; three sons, Merico Argentati and his wife, Shannon of Centennial, CO, James Argentati of Lyme Center, NH and John Argentati and his wife Carolyn of Raleigh, NC; a sister, Edith Oberg of Worcester and a granddaughter, Angela Argentati of Seattle, WA.
He was born “Celeste” Argentati in Oakdale the son of Getulio and Assunta (Tomassini) Argentati. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to the West Boylston/Worcester line where he grew up. When his father died unexpectedly in 1938 during the height of the Great Depression, Charles and his siblings supported their family by finding work wherever they could. He later attended trade school to become a machinist.
Mr. Argentati served his country along with three of his brothers in the United States Army, spending 39 months in Europe during World War II. He served in the 9th air force in England and France and supported a squadron of P-51 mustangs which flew reconnaissance missions over mainland Europe. After returning from the war, he married Mary. They started a family and a few years later moved to the family home in Cherry Valley. Mr. Argentati worked for 30 years as a machinist for the Heald Machine Corporation, formerly Cincinnati Milacron, retiring in 1982. He was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Church, the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and its golf league. Charles was a charter member of the V.F.W. Post 6907 of West Boylston and Post 7556 of Rochdale, American Legion Post 443 of Cherry Valley and a life member of the Disabled America Veterans Post 4 of Worcester. Mr. Argentati enjoyed playing golf, gardening, hunting and reading. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 9:00 AM in OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS CHURCH, 1222 Main Street. A graveside service will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum, 162 Webster Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Angels Building Fund, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester is directing arrangements.