STANDISH — Charles Donatello Aceto, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, late on the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at his home, in Standish.

Charlie was an affable, dear friend to many, and proud son of an Italian immigrant mother and father, Thomas Aceto and Hilda Breggia of Portland, who emigrated from Lettomanopello, Italy, near the turn of the 20th century.

Charlie spoke lovingly of his time as a child, growing up in the neighborhood along Hammond Street in Portland with his mother, father, brother Rocco, and sister Nicola. Charlie married Mary-Jo Ridge on Aug. 3, 1963, moving his family to a home Charlie built in the Deering neighborhood, to raise their six children, over more than 20 years, and where he founded his heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business, C.D. Aceto Company, serving Portland and Greater Portland, proudly, for more than 30 years.

Charlie was a deeply passionate, charismatic, hardworking man who loved his family and friends.

In addition to his many beloved friends, Charlie leaves behind six loving children, including five daughters, Jean Fahey of Lovell, Lisa Duffey of Rochester, N.H., Nicole Harper of Meredith, N.H., Maria Candage of Salt Lake City, Utah and Lucia Aceto-Babbitt of Windham; one son, Nick Aceto of Portland; and 16 grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sister, Nicola Franciose, nee Aceto; and beloved grandson. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland, on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. A private burial will be held in the Spring at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Charlie’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.