Charles “Chuck” Pietrantonio

Chuck was born on Oct. 9, 1941, in Kingsford. He was the son of Mario and Vivian (Fraker) Pietrantonio. Chuck graduated from Kingsford High School in 1959 and was a lifelong resident of the area.

Chuck is survived by his son, Kipp Pietrantonio, his son’s fiancée, Maria Patiño of Dallas; his daughter, Katey Pietrantonio of Green Bay, Wis.; his granddaughter, Breonna Phillips of Green Bay; and his brother, Ronnee Pietrantonio.

Chuck developed many skills across the seasons of his life. For many years he managed the Red Owl Grocery Stores, where he was often complimented for having the best-looking store displays in the district. In addition, Chuck managed the Tastee Freeze, which stood as an institution in the community and provided many fond memories for Iron Mountain residents over the years.

Following the closure of Red Owl nationwide, Chuck returned to school and started his own business: KC Decorating. Of note, Chuck wallpapered and painted the inside of the Dickinson County Library, contributing to the warm and inspiring atmosphere. Many family members accredited Chuck for providing them their first job as part of his business, including both his son and daughter who often accompanied him to painting jobs in their adolescence. As Chuck loved spending time with children, in his later years he became a school bus driver. One of his great joys was the many daily traditions he developed with the children of Iron Mountain, Kingsford, and Norway School Districts as they got on and off the bus each day.

True to his Italian heritage, Chuck was deeply sentimental and was never afraid to show his passion and love for others. Everywhere Chuck went he brought a positive attitude. Whether interacting with a grocery store clerk, a waiter, or kids on the school bus, Chuck was never satisfied until the people around him left with a smile on their face. Chuck spent many hours visiting with others as he greatly valued the community and developing personal connections. This was no doubt a trait he picked up from growing up in his father Mario Pietrantonio’s pool hall on East B Street in Iron Mountain.

In addition to his interpersonal connections with others, he was passionate about bringing people together for sporting events and was involved in organizing softball leagues, provided service as a Gus Buster/Mega Buster at the Gus Macker Tournament, and refereeing volleyball at the Iron Mountain Armory for many years.

Chuck was a passionate fan of the Green Bay Packers, the New York Yankees, and the Milwaukee Braves. He attended the 1957 World Series in Milwaukee between the Yankees and Braves and had the pennants of each team proudly displayed on his walls until the end of his life.

Chuck was a warm, caring, and jovial person who will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

A service will be provided from 1 to 1:30 p.m., where family, friends, and Deacon Tom of the Catholic Church will honor Chuck.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kipp or Katey Pietrantonio.

Condolences to the family of Charles Pietrantonio may be expressed online at www. ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements. The family would like to thank Erickson-Rochon & Nash for their extraordinary flexibility and support with arranging a funeral during the holiday season.