Charles Sarno

Charles Sarno was born in Santa Monica, CA to Arthur and Rose Sarno and grew up in Culver City. As a young boy he played both the violin and piano. He graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School and College of the Sequoias. He served in the United States Army from 1960-1966 and did his training at Fort Ord, CA and Fort Lee, Virginia. While stationed in Korea Chuck was the personal driver for Guy S. Meloy Jr., a Four Star General. General Meloy was Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command, Commander of U.S. forces in Korea, and Commanding General of the Eighth U.S. Army. On October 11, 1986, Chuck married Carole Clayton, and they spent 28 wonderful years together. He was a true renaissance man having worked at many places over the years while having many talents and hobbies. He worked at North American Aviation, Sperry Flight Systems, Kurt Hamilton Hot Rods (Van Nuys), Mariposa Sheriff’s Department, and Sandvik/Snap-On (Visalia). While working for the Mariposa Sheriff’s Department Chuck headed the Search and Rescue Team. Chuck learned to cook as a young boy watching his Italian mother in the kitchen. He loved cooking and his specialty was spaghetti and meatballs. After retiring Chuck spent his time continuing his passion for building and restoring hot rods. He restored two race cars driven by the late Jim “Jazzy” Nelson- a 1927 roadster, the “Jazzy Special” and a twin engine dragster “The Outlaw.” He enjoyed racing and driving his 1929 roadster that he owned for over 50 years. Charles loved travelling and spending time at his beach house in Los Osos with Carole, the love of his life, and Sweetie Pie, his faithful cat. Unfortunately, Chuck battled Rheumatoid Lung Disease for four years until his passing at his home in Visalia. Chuck is preceded in death by his father Arthur Dominick Sarno and mother Rose Katherine Sarno. He is survived by his wife Carole Sarno and son Mark A. Sarno; brother Don (Jean) Sarno; brothers-in-law Bruce (Anna) Clayton and Steve (Jeannette) Clayton; grandchildren Mark D. Sarno and Megan Sarno; nephews John Sarno, Danny (Victor) Sarno, Dominick (Nicole) Sarno, Steven (Sue) Clayton, Matthew (Erica) Clayton; nieces Cindy Sarno Kay and Jeanne (Brian) Jeppesen; great nephew Dominic Scott Kay; great nieces Megan and Samantha Sarno, Juniper and Serafina Clayton. He will also be greatly missed by families in heart, Lisa, Bryan, Alison, Noah, Amy and Stevenson; as well as by Dustin, Heather, Aidan, Aubree, Chelsea and Achelle. A casual Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at the Visalia Police Department Gun Range at 7400 Ave 328 Visalia, CA at 2:00 p.m. The family has asked that any donations be made to Kaweah Delta Hospice or Kaweah Delta Palliative Care. Condolences may be offered at www.salseranddillard.com

Charles Sarno

October 23, 1940 - July 9, 2015