Charles Maskolunas passed away March 30, 2010, peacefully surrounded by his family.

Charles was born and raised in Bartow, Fla. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961 and proudly served his country until 1967. He received seven medals, including a Purple Heart. He then spent a year at Fort Gordon, Ga., receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds and "battle fatigue."

He moved back to Florida and furthered his education at South Florida Community College, studying business management. In 1976, dad moved his family to Clarkston, where he worked at local grocery stores as a butcher and meat manager. After retirement, dad and mom moved back to Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rosie Maskolunas of Lakeland; son, Zaine and wife Cyndi of Felton, Calif.; daughter, Jennie Maskolunas of Clarkston; son, John and wife Amber of Clarkston; and grandchildren, Xilia and Kovas Maskolunas of Felton. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. next Friday at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation or the local blood bank.