Charles Tsoukalas

TSOUKALAS, Charles, age 86, of Stoneham, died peacefully at home on December 25, 2019.

Growing up in Somerville, Charlie was recognized for his football skills and knowledge of the game beginning at Southern Jr. High; a schoolboy star for the Highlanders at Somerville HS, selected twice for the Hellenic Chronicle's All Scholastic team and as honorary captain his second year. He continued playing football while serving in the Army in the US and in Germany and went on to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He returned to become an assistant coach at Somerville HS passing on his skills and insight to the students there, earning him the affectionate title of "Coach". His son Chris played Pop Warner in Reading, so again he was involved and his love of football touched the lives of many of Reading's youth. He was always grateful for the coaches and the peers who help develop his skills and shape his life and so he wanted to share his passion.

An Army veteran, he served in Germany during the Occupation, 1952-1953. He earned a Bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska, 1959, where he made some lifetime friends; earned a Master's degree at Leslie College, 1963, as the first male student in the graduate program when Leslie turned coed. An Industrial Arts teacher for 34 years, he was Chairperson for most of his 31 years in the Burlington Schools. Besides teaching, he worked part-time for the USPO for 38 years, mostly at the GMF in Boston. In Stoneham, he was easily recognized for his summer and weekend power walks up and down Main Street. Often someone would stop him and ask "Hey, aren't you Charlie Tsoukalas?" On his way home he'd stop for coffee and conversation with local friends and acquaintances. He and his wife loved to dance and travel visiting places and friends in the US, several countries in Europe, and a few fun-in-the-sun islands.

Charlie will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 19 years, Kathleen (Wall) Tsoukalas. Father to his loving son, Chris Tsoukalas and his wife, Lucia DePretto, of Atlanta, GA; his daughter, Kim Sullivan and her husband, Richard, and his two grandchildren, Jeremiah and Katie, of Byfield. Dear brother to Anthony of Melrose, his late brother, George, and sister-in-law, Lorelei (Russo) of Billerica; Demetra O'Loughlin and her husband Frank of Austin, TX; and Peter of Peabody. He leaves his wife's children, Susanne Nasson and her daughter, Chloe, a grandchild who lit up his heart, of Stoneham; and Randy Nasson and his wife, Ayesha, and their son, Rumi, who lovingly called him Grandpa Charlie, of San Francisco, CA. He leaves many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Charlie felt blessed in life. He appreciated the friends he had who helped him to make the most out of his life. For those people who touched his life, he is forever grateful.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St. Stoneham and Friday January 3 from 4-8 p.m. His Funeral will be celebrated on Saturday January 4 in the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn at 10am. Interment, Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573.

January 03, 2020
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

McDonald - Finnegan Funeral Home
322 Main St.
Stoneham, MA 02180

January 04, 2020
10:00 AM

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
70 Montvale Ave.
Woburn, MA 01801