Charles B. Formosa was born in Nashville on October 30, 1946 to parents James and Frances Formosa. He was the 2nd of 4 siblings and graduated from Father Ryan High School. He received a business degree from MTSU, which he applied to the family business at Joe Formosa and Sons Produce. When the store closed, he reinvented himself by learning how to use the computer. He worked for Cannon and HP as a trainer. After that, he became a territory training supervisor for ATA Retail Services, a company based in California. He enjoyed his extensive travels across the country. When he retired, his travel was relegated to Home Depot and Lowes.
He had many interests, including reading, especially history. He loved mowing the field on his Kubota tractor but his favorite pastime was building things. He was an excellent carpenter and prided himself on having the “right tools for the job”. Also, to say he had an obsession with flashlights and batteries is an understatement. He inherited that from his father. Always the boy scout, he was prepared for any and all emergencies. The basement was well-stocked with essentials for survival, i.e., water, food, at least one generator, first-aid kit and of course his beloved flashlights and batteries.
Charlie loved animals, a love he shared with his wife, Carol; together they rescued many strays and welcomed them into their home. He will be deeply missed by his four-legged friends: dogs Bo and Katy, as well as cats, Miller, Gus, and last but not least, Orange Kitty.
To know Charlie was to be lucky enough to have a true friend and to hear his many charming, oft-repeated “Charlie-isms” including, “Be Careful”; “Now, listen to me…”; “What’s crying going to accomplish?”; and “Listen, I’m going to tell you something…” Described as a gentleman’s gentleman, he was often sought out for his advice and problem-solving skills. He always strived to do the right thing in all situations.
He looked forward to spending time with family and friends on the beach at St. George Island, Florida in the spring and the Smoky Mountains in the fall.
Charlie passed away peacefully with the love of his life by his side on December 27, 2021. Preceded in death by father, James J. Formosa Sr., mother, Mary Frances Formosa, brother, Joseph Stanley Formosa and brother, James J. Formosa, Jr. Survived by wife, Carol Formosa and sister, Nancy Formosa Malone, daughters, Abby (Tim) Shivers, Betsy (Matt) Pierucki, granddaughters, Taylor (Justin) Bush, Emily Shivers, Emma Pierucki and Megan Pierucki and many nieces and nephews.
We are truly grateful to have had Charlie in our lives. “The greatest tribute to the deceased is not grief but gratitude.”
The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.
