Charles "Charlie" G. Cordaro

Charles “Charlie” George Cordaro was born on August 24, 1941 to Samuel and Victoria “Vic” (Amadeo) Cordaro in Des Moines, Iowa. Charlie was baptized into the Catholic faith on October 19, 1941 at St. Anthony’s parish in Des Moines. He grew up in Des Moines and was a proud Italian Southsider, attending St. Anthony’s School and Dowling Catholic High School, graduating in 1959.

After graduation, Charlie started his career working for the City of Des Moines in the Planning and Zoning office, where he spent his entire career, retiring in 1998. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Cuckie, on Valentine’s Day. Over the years, they enjoyed traveling together and having dinner with friends.

Charlie’s passion was playing golf, and most recently he enjoyed his weekly outings with The Golf Buddies. He also enjoyed cards and games with his friends, and he never knew a stranger. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and was a member of the Society of Italian Americans. In his earlier years, he enjoyed coaching girls softball and he co-owned Uncle Charlie’s Potato Chip stand with friends for a few years at the Iowa State Fair. In retirement, he worked part-time at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, where he made many more friends. He also enjoyed cheering on his nieces and nephews in all their endeavors.

Charlie passed away at home on February 18, 2025 with Bonnie by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Des Moines, his sisters-in-law Kathy (Harold) Hensch of Humboldt, Nancy (Marty) Gilson of Hardy, and Mary (Joe) Holmberg of Eagle Grove, and their families, and many cousins and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sam, in-laws George and Myrtle Cuckie, and brother-in-law Robert Parsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the American Lung Association, First Tee of Central Iowa, or the Catholic Worker House.

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