Charles Joseph Dahlstrom's Obituary
Charles Joseph Richard Dahlstrom (affectionately also known as “Charlie”, “Chuck”, “Daddy Rabbit”, “Bunny”, “Grumpa” and so many more) entered this world on August 1, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to join his parents Claire and “Duke” Dahlstrom – his grand entrance was marked by his length at almost 28 inches! He was a unique person from day one! Much to the sadness of those who loved him dearly, Charlie left this world on the morning of February 22, 2024, after a long, valiant and unflagging fight.
As a young boy, Charlie traveled with his parents from Chicago throughout the United States on a seasonal schedule while his father ran the business side of numerous horse racing tracks...his love of travel and adventure stateside and abroad stuck with him for the rest of his life! He and his parents relocated to Coral Gables, Florida when he was a young boy....Charlie considered Florida home.
At the age of 16, Charlie’s Year Book from The Ransom School in Coconut Grove, Florida so perfectly described him - “Vociferous phrases and his scholarly attitude set Charley Dahlstrom apart....” Charlie’s life was marked by many, many moments of scholarly endeavor and achievement. He opted to join the United States Navy following his high school graduation in 1953 (and, after the unexpected death of his beloved father in the preceding year) and served active duty for 3 years. He later joined the United States Naval Reserve where he served for 38 years, specializing in meteorology, and ended his tenure as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Following his active duty service, Charlie attended the University of Miami, obtaining both a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education. In between his teaching career, Charlie worked as an iron worker. He then segued into his full-time teaching career during which he taught English, Math and Social Studies in the Miami-Dade public school system (Richmond Heights Jr. High and Miami Killian Sr. High) for 25 years. His students benefited from his sharp intellect and humor! During his teaching years, Charlie was a staunch and active advocate and Vice President of the United Teachers of Dade County and of the national public education system.
Outside of his professional life, Charlie was a fervent feline and animal lover (particularly his feline children), listener and connoisseur of Jazz and Blues music, an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast (he not only rebuilt numerous cars and motorcycles but participated in dirt bike and motorcycle races throughout the United States and was a pit crew member of a car racing team that raced in Cuba in the 1950’s), a voracious reader, and a diehard Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins football fan!
For the last 46 years, Charlie’s love of his life was Zina Valenza. He was also the beloved bonus father to Jenny Kendall (Mark), Eva Fatenko (Alex) and Robert Valenza (Margaret) and cherished Grumpa to Alexander Charles Fatenko and many step-grand/great-children. Charlie’s absence in this world will forever be keenly felt by all who loved him and were lucky to have been loved BY him!
Donations are welcome in lieu of flowers and can be made to The Humane Society of the United States (humanesociety.org).
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