Published in the July 1, 2016 edition
READING — Charles F. Tura, 60, of Reading, and formerly a longtime Melrose resident, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, June 23.
Charles Tura was born in Malden on April 8, 1956 and was one of four children of the late Charles F. Tura, and Elizabeth (Wilson) Tura. He was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and proudly called Melrose home for most of his life. He grew up playing Melrose youth baseball and had many happy memories of being one of the neighborhood kids. After graduating, he started his own painting company and became known as “Charlie the Painter.” He was well known for his meticulous work and his frequent wave from his work van that was recognized all over town. Easy-going and funny, Charlie enjoyed talking with people and seeing old friends around Melrose.
Charlie was a painter by trade, but if you knew Charlie, there was much more to him. His caring nature and big heart were on display through his many acts of kindness that he bestowed upon friends, family, animals and strangers alike. Whether fixing your car, taking in stray cats or just treating people with care and respect, Charlie was all about helping people, never expecting anything in return. How he led his life can be summed up by the following: “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Charlie relied on his own resourcefulness to satisfy simple needs. Like his father before him, he could fix anything and had an appreciation for anything old. While giving an estimate on a job in the mid ‘80s, he found the love of his life, and they enjoyed 26 years of love, care and friendship. In his time at home with Debbie, they shared a love for animals, and in particular cats. They took in nearly a dozen rescue cats and Charlie had a special place in his heart for each one. He and Debbie treated them like family, providing shelter, food and love for any and all. Charlie was happiest taking care of the many cats or watching an episode of his favorite show, “This Old House,” with Debbie. Charlie will be forever remembered by his family and friends.
He was the devoted husband and best friend to Deborah S. (Alpert) Tura, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage. He was the loving son of Elizabeth Tura of Melrose and the late Charles F. Tura. He was the caring son-in-law of Roberta I. Alpert of Reading; and the late Martin S. Alpert. He was the cherished brother of Susan A. Tura of Malden, Constance Ferreira and her husband James of Melrose, Lisa Gorman and her husband Sean of Melrose, and brother-in-law of Adam S. Alpert and his wife Amy of Saugus. He was the beloved “Uncle Buck” to Jamie Ferreira and the late Catherine Ferreira and Haley, Alyssa and Cameron Gorman, all of Melrose.
Funeral Services are private. Donations in memory of Charlie may be made to Melrose High School Permanent Scholarship Fund, c/o Charles F. Tura Family Scholarship Fund, 109 Conant Rd., Melrose MA 02176. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.