Tributes

Major ret. Charles Joseph Cilfone, Age 95 Surrounded by his loving family, Major ret. Charles Joseph Cilfone passed away peacefully in his home March 22, 2015. He was 95 years old. Major Cilfone was known for his larger than life personality, strength of character, and devotion to family, community, and country. He was born January 6, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Italian immigrant parents. He was one of eight children but despite his humble beginnings, he went on to become a decorated military officer and accomplished public servant. Major Cilfone was devoted to his wife of 60 years, Lois Alvarado Cilfone. He was a dedicated and loving father to his four children, Charles Jacob Cilfone, Catherine Marie Cilfone McCarthy, Patricia Cilfone Smith, and her husband, Steven Smith, and Lois Annette "Sita" Cilfone, and her husband, James Guillot. He was also a proud and adoring grandfather to Quinn Alyssa McCarthy, Jacob Nicholas Cilfone, and Lucia Jean Smith. Major Cilfone was among the first military draftees of 1941. He entered the United States Army Air Corps, now the United States Air Force, and began his training just prior to the invasion of Pearl Harbor. During World War II, Major Cilfone, a navigator/bombardier, flew 72 bombing missions in the B-26 Martin Marauder, including two successful missions on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Major Cilfone was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during bombing missions. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters. During the Korean War, Major Cilfone served at Fort Sam Houston Texas, San Antonio where he met his bride, Lois Uresti Alvarado. After his active duty, Major Cilfone continued his service in the reserves, started a family, and continued his work as a public servant working as a Real Estate Specialist for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Major Cilfone and his wife were among the founding families of St. Luke's Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. He was a long-time supporter and member of the Christopher Columbus Italian Society as well as a founding member of the St. Luke's Men's Club. A devoted father, Major Cilfone frequently attended Catholic Youth Organization CYO sporting events as well as other school activities of his four children on the church and school grounds. Major Cilfone will be buried with full military honors Tuesday, March 31, 11:15 AM, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road. Funeral mass services are Tuesday, March 31, 9:15 AM at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 4306 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78229. For additional information contact Mission Park Funeral Chapels & Cemeteries.

Tributes

Charles Joseph Cilfone

January 6, 1920 - March 22, 2015