I worked for a time as Director of Admissions and Social Work for a large SNF Chuck owned.  I remember him as a delightfully eccentric boss who kept a revolver and a bottle of single malt in his desk.  Anecdote:   When I left that job, Chuck said "You're the best damned social worker I've ever had" - and gave me a soft kick in the rear.

Rest in peace, Chuck.  It's been over two decades but I will never forget you.

I worked for Chuck for 26years at Lakewood Park Health Center, probably 20 of those years, pretty much side by side, everyday, all day. In that time I learned a lot about this man, although narrowing it down is truly impossible. I’ve got so many stories, I could write for days.

When you work that close with someone for those amount of years, you become family, But what I learned about Chuck, is even if you had just met him, you were already a part of his family. His theme for the facility was “People who Care”, and that he did. He lived that everyday.

Chuck was kind to everyone, generous without hesitation, had the heart of a lion but could shed a tear just as easily. He persevered in the face of so many challenges personally and professionally, and never once did I see his strength or determination waiver. 

I was only 16years old when I first started working for Chuck, he taught me everything I know about business, about being a professional, efficient and confident in the face of any adversity.

The other thing he showed me is an example of a man who could work hard, play hard and laugh.......laugh so hard and gregariously, it was infectious and many times I found myself laughing not even knowing what it was that he was laughing at across that hallway. 

I know he would want us to remember his grit, his determination, his strength, generosity, love...I could go on and on....but I think he’d hope we’d always remember his laughter and the joy and opportunities his work afforded everyone he touched. 

His success reached far beyond business, his success changed lives, made them better, A LOT of people, that’s a big deal. He personally changed mine and he will be weaved into the fabric of my life forever, and for that I I want to thank him, for being my friend, mentor and a father figure to me since I was just a kid. 

I know he’s up there telling jokes in heaven. I will miss him and love him forever, but I will never forget him.  Until we meet again.

I am neighbor of Chucks for over 20 years 

I will remember Chuck as a kind and generous man. 

Chuck put up with a lot of noise and things from our house. 

Having a barking dog and many boys in back yard staying up all hours of the night practicing music playing basketball and even had a boxing 
bag in garage banging against the garage 

I always remember Chucks room right next to our garage. He never complained except for the boxing bag. 

Also chuck took great pride in his house and garden. We even tried to keep up with him but could not since his gardeners must have been there every day. 

Chuck was even generous to offer me and my wife a shower when  he was  watering the lawn every morning. Should have accepted and saved money on my water bill. 

Chuck and Laurie invited us to visit their cabin in big bear and we had a nice time and glass of scotch. 

Chuck Rest In Peace you had a great life and I hope to have 1/2  of it 

Chuck as he was always known to me  was my Father in Law.   So many memories I have of him.  Chuck was the sole reason we had such a lovely wedding.  He helped us purchase our first home, he was always willing to help us with projects around the house.  From building a fence to painting a room he was the first one to show up to work and the last to leave.  He loved his grandchildren and was generous to a fault.   Chuck loved to enjoy a cold beer or a scotch and tell a good joke.  He had a hearty laugh and ALWAYS a twinkle in his eye.   It was amazing to be  with him and observe his work ethic......he regularly got to his office at 6am and was the last to leave.   His loves aside from his family were his home, his dogs (and he always had one), his boat (and he had many of those too), his friends and his love of sport.......and especially fishing.

He was a risk taker and a proud entrepreneur having run and started many an enterprise.  He made plenty of mistakes along the way....but he was tough and knew life was that way, two steps forward and sometimes one step back.  Get up dust yourself off and start anew.  While he had a tough exterior, he could be moved to tears with a painful story...and often would lend a hand or give help in other ways to assist family, friends or employees in time of need.  I treasure the moments I spent with him and hope he will rest in peace and know that he left a legacy and an imprint that will long be remembered by those who knew him and loved  him.  

I offer my heartfelt sympathy to his wife, his children Elizabeth, Chris and Janet,  and his grandchildren.  As well as his extended family and other friends.

In behalf of Aguman Kapampangan International and all the people you have helped in the Philippines especially, those Indigent Aeta Tribe in Katutubo Village Elementary School Porac Pampanga, for the last time, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the helped you had extended to us.

You're such a great noble man, we are happy, we had the opportunity to met you and you touched many lives back in the Philippines🇵🇭

God has a better plan for you up there, no more pain and sufferings.

Again, thank you Sir Chuck you will be missed.. 
May your soul rest in peace!🙏🙏🙏

We Love You Sir Chuck!❤


With so much Respect, Gratitude and Love,

Dr. Rommel P. Yumul
Founder/Chairman
Aguman Kapampangan International

It takes a strong man to accept somebody else’s children and showered us with love and care. You’ve been very supportive and patient to all of us. And I am proud to say i am what i am today, a stronger woman that is, because of you.... Thank you Pop for being a part of my second life. We love you so much and you will be missed...This is not goodbye but I’ll see you later in God’s time. Rest in peace Pop🌺

Thanks for everything pop c i will surely missed you and love you so much ! Your such an amazing stepdad to me and my siblings. Rest in peace pops🙏🏼😘 as you have said to me i still remember that am your best friend and your pretty secretary.❤️

OBITUARY

Daniel Charles Zilafro

December 4, 1933 – August 22, 2019

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Daniel Charles Zilafro

Santa Clara