Charles T. Colletta

August 12, 2023
COLLETTA, CHARLES T.

   Charles Thomas Colletta, 88, of Nashua, well known musician and longtime business manager, passed away early Saturday morning, August 12, 2023 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a brief illness.         

    Born in Milford on February 19, 1935, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary (Reveane) Colletta. Charlie and his family moved to Nashua a few months after his birth and resided in the French Hill neighborhood. A graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1952, Charlie served with the Army from July 6 to December 20, 1957 and held the rank of Private 2nd Class.

    Charlie began working as a teenager with the former Osgood’s Hardware Store and continued his career as manager for many years at Hammar Hardware at their Railroad Square location and then at the new store on Amherst Street. He later worked as general manager for Standard Hardware for many years, until his retirement.   

    A talented musician and band leader, Charlie played Clarinet and Saxophone with the American Legion Band and the 39th Army Band of the New Hampshire National Guard. He was the Drum major on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day parades in Nashua for many years and also in some of the surrounding communities.  

     He was a communicant of St. Patrick Church and for many years and was a former longtime communicant and usher of St. Christopher Church.

    Charlie married Doris R. Galipeau of Nashua on May 19, 1956. They enjoyed summers at Wells Beach, Maine for 30 years. The couple shared 60 wonderful years together until her passing on July 21, 2016.

    In addition to his wife and parents, Charlie was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rita (Colletta) and John Dulgarian, Mary (Colletta) and Ralph T. “Ted” Dirubbo, and Bertrand Chouinard; and his nephew, Michael Dirubbo.

    Members of his family include his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas C. and Susanne Colletta of Portsmouth; sister-in-law, Shirley (Galipeau) Chouinard of Wells, ME; nieces and nephews, Christopher A. Chouinard and his husband,  Harold Rodriguez, Jonathan C. Chouinard and his wife Amy, Kathy (Dirubbo) Cronin and her husband Daniel, Tina (Dulgarian) Hagen, Gregory Dulgarian and Mark Dulgarian; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. 

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, August 16th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Thursday, August 17th at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com   

27 Comments on Charles T. Colletta

Peter Doherty said : Guest Report Dec 04, 2023 at 8:33 PM

I met Charlie in the late 80’s at Hammar Hardware, and continued to do business with him at Standard Hardware, He was a good customer and a great friend ! He did so many favors for me , always asked if things were good. I will miss you Charlie, but will always have great memories.

Fred Hughes said : Guest Report Sep 30, 2023 at 9:39 AM

Charlie was such a good boss at Standard Hardware. He was always fair. He would tell me the story's about going up to Brown Air Field in Manchester with the band to see and play for the troops heading off to Vietnam. He said, that his group would have a good laugh, packing up and the bus ride home to Nashua saying, "Better them, than us!"

Kristen Dion-Baker said : Guest Report Sep 03, 2023 at 12:45 AM

I am just seeing this and am in shock! I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Years and years catering for Standard Hardware. It was such a pleasure working with Charlie. Cooking delmonico potatoes and salad for him and the family for holidays. Every time he called McNulty & Foley- I knew right away who it was. He was always so strong- having many conversations when he came in. My heart is with you all, he will be missed.

David J Dionne said : Guest Report Aug 19, 2023 at 11:11 AM

Tom & Susanne and Family - my heartfelt sympathies. David BG '76

Bill Round said : Guest Report Aug 18, 2023 at 11:51 PM

My condolences to the family and friends Charlie leaves behind. I knew him as the general manager of Standard Hardware. He conducted Standard Hardware as he might have conducted his bands. He was a consummate professional in his capacity there as well as a practitioner of old school business relationship building. He learned a lot over his several decades in the hardware business, and passed his knowledge along at every opportunity. He was a member of the diminishing group of "old hardware guys." Our communities are left poorer by their passing.

Brian Fessenden said : Guest Report Aug 16, 2023 at 6:16 PM

To Charlie's family. Charlie became a customer of mine when i installed a generator for him at his house a few years back and I continued to stay in touch and service the generator in the past few years always enjoying our conversations that included people he knew that I knew as well . He also knew my parents well Buster and Joan Fessenden and still kept in touch with my mother after my father passed. I just met with him two weeks ago at his house and again enjoyed that short time together not knowing that i would not see him again. God Bless You Charlie

Natasha Ashley-Brown said : Guest Report Aug 16, 2023 at 10:21 AM

To Charlie’s Family, So very sorry for your loss. Charlie was a gift, a blessing that came into our lives when my son, bought the house across the street. He and his dear wife were so warm and welcoming that first day. Thank you Charlie for taking Chris under your wings and always looking out for him, Amy & Dexter. You will be missed. RIP

Nick Boniface said : Guest Report Aug 15, 2023 at 7:36 PM

I was very fortunate to have met Charlie 35 years ago. I had a friendship and a business relationship for all those years with Charlie. I will never forget him. My dad and Charlie are the greatest men I have known. RIP Charlie I know you will.

John Boissonneault said : Guest Report Aug 15, 2023 at 6:41 PM

Charlie was a true gentleman of the first order. He is now in the Angel Gabriel’s celestial band along with numerous 39th members. I will pray for him and ask him to save me a seat in the brass section.

Donna Spinosa Cluff said : Guest Report Aug 15, 2023 at 5:24 PM

Charlie and Doris are my Godparents. They took this roll very seriously and I was blessed to have them both. Charlie and my Dad were in the 39th Army Band together and have had a friendship that has lasted well over 55 years. So many memories...band trips, holidays, birthdays, time in Wells , the scoop deck treats, riding around in his car while he had big band or classical music playing and the pop in visits just to say hello. I will treasure these memories and know just how fortunate I am. Charlie´s compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity are definitely a gift. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the entire family

Brian Donaldson - Drummer - American Legion said : Guest Report Aug 15, 2023 at 5:01 PM

I was very glad to have been part of Charlie's Band! RIP Charlie and may God bring comfort to all all of his loved ones.

Clif and Linda Banner said : Guest Report Aug 15, 2023 at 1:15 PM

Charlie, to most of us, you are forever young! Such vitality, humor, musicianship, and a great conductor. You are the one who kept the band going for so many years. We'll meet again, someday, over the rainbow--you will be missed.

Bob Guessferd said : Guest Report Aug 15, 2023 at 9:56 AM

Charlie was part of the fabric of the Hudson Post 48 American Legion Band. I only knew him in that capacity but he left a lasting impression on me, one that I will never forget. His love for military marches is what I remember most. Rest in Peace, Charlie. The band will play on, but you will be sorely missed.

Jeanine Putnam said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 11:09 PM

It is truly amazing how one person can affect a whole community. Charlie was that person that gave out of the kindness of his heart. It is the little things he did that we will all miss the most. Rest easy, Charlie, your work is done. Time for us to try to continue what came so easily to you. You will be dearly missed.

Patricia Charron Jussaume said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 8:35 PM

My deepest sympathy to Charlie’s family. I played trombone in the Nashua America Legion for many years when I was a teenage. Charlie or Mr. Colletta as I called him was always a kind gentleman to me. He was always welcoming and helpful. God bless him and his family.

kirk farrell said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 5:00 PM

like his departed co worker Warren Hall from Hammar Hardware , Charlie was a class Act.

Doris Chasse said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 1:20 PM

My deepest sympathy to the entire family Charlie was the kindest and caring man to have known. My heart knows that Charlie and my husband can now keep up their nightly conversations about the old times. He was a special friend.

Bob Barriault said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 12:20 PM

To Tom and family my heart-felt condolences. Charles and I have been close friends for 80+ y ears and I respected him for his kindness, generosity, and good humor. I will miss our weekly telephone conversations. Rest in peace my friend, I love you like a brother.

Matt Van Wagner said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 11:22 AM

Charlie was such a good band leader, especially as he lead us parade drum major. Under his crisp, precise baton signals, and his stiff-backed military bearing, we marched more proudly and in straighter, tighter lines. Charlie always took notice of service members, veterans and police, standing at attention and saluting the colors and he rendered a respectful salute in return. So proud to have played with the American Legion Band in so many parades over the years.

Dave Breault said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 9:38 AM

To Tommy, Kathy, and the entire family my deepest condolences and sympathy. I cannot begin to describe how much Charlie meant to our family. A close neighbor for so many years and a wonderful friend to myself and my family. I grew up with him and his family. There are people in our lives that transcend friendship and Charlie was one of those. He was always there and always willing to help and provide guidance. A true credit to our community over the years and his contributions were many. We lost a true humanitarian and I will greatly miss our conversations. Rest in peace Mr. C.

Melissa Miller said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2023 at 8:36 AM

The one thing that comes to mind first for me is how Charlie always took care of the people he loved. Always thinking of others and how little acts of kindness could have the greatest effect on someone's day. Be it bringing food to a friend or family, or bringing something that needing fixing to keep the mind and hands busy. My second thought - Charlie always wore his US Flag pin. Personally, I think Charlie for all the Delmonico potatoes that he brought to all of the Cronin's family events. Rest in peace Charlie. I have a feeling some have been saying what's taking you so long! What a reunion!

Arthur Smith said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2023 at 8:51 PM

My sincere condolences to Tom and the family. I’m sure God has greeted him with a hug and has called for Doris to be at his side forever. Charlie has been a good friend for many years and I am going to miss his sense of humor and his contagious laugh. Rest in peace my friend. By the way, I hope that you got a brand new Selmer clarinet and tenor sax so when you play “There’s No Beer In Heaven” with Freddy and George.Arthur

Norm Blanchette said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2023 at 7:53 PM

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Charlie when I was the conductor of the Alumni Band of the NH National Guard. Charlie was not only an excellent musician but a wonderful gentleman and a class act all the way. RIP Charlie. Without a doubt, the "Great Band of Heaven" will surely be pleased to have your wonderful musical skills in their clarinet section.

Alan Neubert said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2023 at 6:32 PM

Mr. Music for Nashua. You will be missed,

Tom Fisk said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2023 at 4:14 PM

A great musician, a wonderful friend and true gentleman has left us. You will be missed by all of us from the 39th Army Band NHARNG and the Retiree Band. Now you will be playing with George and Freddie.

Theresa Feely said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2023 at 3:38 PM

Good by, Charlie. Doris has been waiting patiently. God bless you.

Richard and Fatha Mayou said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2023 at 1:53 PM

With all the respect and love for Charlie we will miss you.

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