Charles E. Cesmat

Charles Eugene Cesmat, 88, was called home by his Lord and Savior on May 2nd, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. Charlie was born to Charles and Minnie Cesmat on April 10, 1931 in Bakersfield, California. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1949. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy spending most of his time on the USS Chemung oil tanker and enjoyed remaining in relationship with some of his shipmates throughout his life. During a few days off the ship, he met the love of his life while hitchhiking back to Bremerton.
Charlie and Dorothea saw each other whenever possible but spent most of their time either writing or waiting for letters. During a 72 hour leave, Charlie brought a ring to Seattle where they started their commitment to one another on their knees reciting the Lord’s prayer (Charlie frequently shared this story as the secret to a great long marriage).
They were married on January 15, 1955.  In the midst of starting a family, he went to Wenatchee Valley Community College then continued on to the University of Washington where he studied business and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1958. Charlie was a New York Life insurance agent for 36 years and earned various recognitions, including his senior NYLIC status, where he had a celebration on a ferry boat!
Charlie’s strong faith was always an important part of his life. He loved to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He worked to build a cabin on Whidbey Island so the family could spend time together away from the big city in the summer.  He enjoyed attending Husky football games with Dorothea, fixing up old clocks and giving them to others, collecting stamps and visiting friends (or even strangers). Charlie was creative and made many unique post cards, specifically to brighten up people's day with a surprise in their mailbox.  Most knew him as the guy that would come by or call to talk or bring some treasure he wanted to share.
He was a faithful Holy Rosary parishioner, a Lions club member, a Boy Scout volunteer and was always willing to lend a hand to his family and friends. He loved to quote what he called the golden rule: “always treat others as you want to be treated”, something Charlie lived out. A man who could strike up a conversation with anybody, Charlie touched many lives and he will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Dorothea Cesmat, and his seven children: Steven (Lana), Kathy (Gary) Porter, Paul (Becky), Kenneth, Walter, Julie, Martha (Duane) O'Loughlin; 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Williams (California); many nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 at Holy Rosary Church, West Seattle.

Rosary at 10am, Funeral mass at 11am followed by a reception in the parish hall. Burial at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery for the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home – West Seattle.

Memorials may be made to the Lions Club of West Seattle, Sisson Bldg. 4217 SW Oregon St., Seattle WA 98116 or a charity of your choice.

Share memories of Charlie on the guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com