Obituary of Charles P. Gallegos

Charlie Gallegos Sr. passed away Monday morning, Dec. 2, 2019, after complications following cancer surgery. Charlie was born in Salinas to Paulino and Rosita Gallegos. He grew up in Salinas attending local schools and graduating from Salinas High in 1955. In 1957, Charlie graduated from Hartnell College with a degree in business.

While in high school, Charlie began working for Dick Bruhn's in Salinas, and after a stint in the Army, he returned to the Salinas clothing store chain, where he eventually moved up to manager. In 1961, Charlie married Josephine, and in 1968, Charlie moved his family to Hollister to manage the Dick Bruhn's store there until the mid 1980’s. Charlie then moved on to work in the life insurance industry, where he was an agent working up until September, 2019. He and his wife Josie raised their children Margie, Linda and Charlie Jr. in Hollister, where he lived until his death. Charlie and Josie were married for 58 years until his passing, but they had been friends since childhood.

Charlie was a member of the Elks Club, the Knights of Columbus, Sons In Retirement, and the Italian Catholic Federation organizations. He was a longtime usher at the San Benito County Horse Show and Rodeo for 50 years.

 
Charlie's passions were his family, his friends and his church, including Sacred Heart and St. Benedict's, where he served as a lector and commentator for years. He was known for his gentle, outgoing personality, and his capacity for kindness and generosity. His greatest joy was family reunions and his special relationship with all of his relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paulino and Rosita, and his brothers Hector and Richard.

He is survived by his wife Josie, his children, Margie Johnson (Jim) of Hollister, Linda Mazzie (Joe) of Pacific Grove, and Charlie Jr. of Gilroy, his sister Rebecca Mier (Richard) of Salinas, his beloved grandson Zeus, and step-grandsons Jeremy and Tim, as well as countless nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at a mass on Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Benedict's Church in Hollister.