Obituary of Charles J. Malagodi

Charles John Malagodi of Burlington, and retired owner of the North End Fruit Market, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington. He was 84 years old. Charlie was one of five children born to Italian immigrants, Louis and Katherine Malagodi. He grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School in 1950 and attended Boston University. He served in the Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Corporal, and was the recipient of the Occupation Medal Germany, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He grew up working in the family business, the North End Fruit Market, both before and after serving his country. His mother started the business on Medford St. in Somerville. Those were the days when there were “Mom and Pop” neighborhood stores specializing in particular commodity; meat, produce, fruit, household, and hardware. It was long before the big all-inclusive grocery chains. Charlie knew his customers on a first name basis as well as their children, siblings, cousins, and neighbors. It was a community. He ran the business until its closure in 1984. He then worked at NNR Shipping Company, an export business at Logan Airport, until his retirement in 1998. Charlie can be best described as a doer. While many spend an inordinate amount of time talking about dreams, lofty ideas, and future adventures, Charlie was doing them. Some might say he was always a kid at heart. He was a licensed pilot, flew his own ultra-light plane, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He loved soaring like a bird, the rush of the breeze in his face, and the thrill and exhilaration of flying. He also rode a motorcycle well into his 70’s. He loved take long rides and escapes with his sons. The other passion he shared with his sons, and then grandsons, was hunting. He taught two generations how to hunt and to do it safely. He hunted mainly in New Hampshire, but had some great hunting expeditions in Pennsylvania. The last time he was out hunting was just two weeks ago. He enjoyed boating and camping at Squam Lake. He relished in family ski and hiking trips. Black diamond ski trails and challenging hikes (Mt. Washington) always seemed to call his name. He loved when all his family were together on Christmas Eve, Easter and Thanksgiving. He was a loyal Patriots fan. He loved maintaining and nurturing his flower gardens as well. One of his more passionate endeavors was the making of his own brand of wine. He loved warm weather vacation destinations like Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Bermuda. Charlie was never content just sitting at home. He was on a journey following his dreams and passions and never letting a minute be wasted in idleness. He lived his life his way with his foot on the gas pedal all the way to his final days. He never focused on his mistakes and misfortunes, but the blessings, opportunities, and gifts he has received during his lifetime. Charlie was the beloved husband of Catherine (Nardini) Malagodi of Burlington. He was the loving father of Chuck of New Hampton, NH, Christine Anderson & her husband Steve of Manchester, NH, Michael & his wife Maria of Methuen, Mark of Hudson, NH, and Donna Galluzzo of Londonderry, NH & her late husband Tony. He was predeceased by his first wife, Sandra (Couzzo) Malagodi. He was the brother of Louise Collins of Groton, and the late Norma O’Meara, Richard and John. Charlie is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.stmargaretburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45280.