ASHTABULA - Charlie Robert Cerni, 55, of Ashtabula, died unexpectedly Friday, July 16, 2010.
He was born May 19, 1955, in Meadville, Pa., the son of John and Margaret Caleskie Cerni, and had been an Ashtabula resident for 22 years.
A 1973 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, he attended Youngstown State University and earned an Associate Degree in accounting.
Currently working as sales manager for Cerni Motors International Truck Dealership in Youngstown, he loved working with his family for the past 35 years. "Cerni Motors was his heart," the family says.
A member of AH Inc. member 3, his love of friends was second only to his devoted love for his family.
A member of Mother of Sorrows Church, he was a past president of the Conneaut Rotary. Charlie was a connoisseur of fine food and good cigars, and was a sharp dresser. He loved golfing, boating, snow skiing, and vacationing in Siesta Key with family and friends.
His survivors include his beloved wife, Sheryl Quehl Cerni, whom he married Nov. 2, 1979; three children, Marica Cerni of Ashtabula, Charles R. "C.J." Cerni II of Cincinnati and Samuel J. Cerni of Ashtabula; his mother, Margaret Cerni of Conneaut; five brothers, John (Carol) Cerni II of Canfield, Joseph (Susan) Cerni of Boardman, Mark (Beth) Cerni of Coral Springs, Fla., Raymond Cerni of Youngstown and Tommy (Christine) Cerni of Minnesota; three sisters, Bridget Cerni of Conneaut, Alice (Rick) Adams of Lake Milton and Cathy (Kenneth) Ray of Ashtabula; his sister-in-law, Mary Cerni of West Covini, Calif.; and 42 nieces, nephews and great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, John P. Cerni, in 2000, and his brother, Stephen Cerni.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Zaback-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mother of Sorrows Church, 1464 W. Sixth St., Ashtabula. The Rev. Joseph Ruggieri and the Rev. John Summers will concelebrate.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.
Contributions may be made to a scholarship fund Charlie and his family were all fond of and supported the Strimbu Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 268, Brookfield, Ohio 44403
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