Charles William Firenze

"As those of us on Earth cried, Heaven danced the day he died"

Charles William Firenze, 83, of Ithaca, passed away on September 2, 2025, at Hospicare, in Ithaca. Charles was born on November 18, 1941 in Fulton, NY to Paul Thomas Firenze and Margaret Ellen (Mason) Firenze. 

Charles worked at Cornell University for 41 years, was a supervisor for the past few decades, in Newman Laboratory of Nuclear Studies and Particle Physics. He attended Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca. He was known for his sense of humor, love of family, enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, one of their most memorable trips was going to the Triple Crown of horse racing, and rooting for the NY Yankees.

Charles is survived by his wife of 61 years, married on August 29, 1964 in Elmira, NY, Sandra (Downing) Firenze and her family; brother: Richard (Donna) Firenze; son: Michael (Silvia) Firenze, of Bamberg Germany; daughter: Margaret (Dan Slattery) Firenze of Ithaca; grandchildren: Shannon Firenze of Bamberg, Germany; Angelina (Tyler Beckstead) Torchia, of St. Thomas USVI and Paul Firenze Burke of Ithaca; nephews: Paul Firenze and Rick Firenze; cousin: Larry Mullen; buddy: Randy Miller; goddaughter: Lisa Parish.

A Celebration of life will be held on October 4, 2025 from 2-4 pm, with words of remembrance at 3pm at Nates Floral Estates Club House on Cecil A. Malone Drive.