Charles A. Pecora, of Riverhead, died at his home on April 5. He was 84 years old.
He was born in Orange, N.J., on August 19, 1928 to Louis Pecora and Evelyn Hart.
Charles served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force between 1951 and 1955, enjoyed a long career as an X-Ray technician at North Fork Radiology in Riverhead, where he was the first employee to retire 18 years ago, and was a member of the Riverhead Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years.
He also had a wedding photography business, a race-timing business, and taught both cabinet-making and advanced skiing.
Charles was fond of fishing, boating and, above all else, running.
An active volunteer, Charles gave his time to many local organizations, including the East End Arts Council, for which he served as a valet at its summer concert series. He also organized countless foot races in Riverhead.
Decades ago, he negotiated a deal with Coca-Cola to deliver products to his house for the Riverhead County Fair, despite the fact that the company was on strike at the time.
“He was an incredible person,” said his wife, Letitia. “Not many people did all the things he did and a life well-lived is a life well-remembered.”
Predeceased by his brother, Richard Pecora, and niece, Renee McElroy, a very important person to him, he is survived by his wife, Letitia; daughter Carole Pecora-Przesiek of Rochester, N.Y.; brother John Pecora of California, sisters Etna Pavics and Elmire Pecora of New Jersey; nephews Carl Perrello and Todd Pavics; nieces Robin Preziosi, Katherine Threlkeld, Gabrielle and Sabrina Pecora; grandson Andrew Palagonia; granddaughter Erin Gagné; great-grandsons Nicholas and Tristan Gagné, great-granddaughter Gianna Palagonia; grandnieces Danielle, Gabriella and Alexandra Perrello, Meagan and Lauren McElroy, Micaela Rose Threlkeld, and grandnephew Gregory Prezioci.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home in Riverhead.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m. at the Calverton National Cemetery with interment to follow.
