Gary Ray Charleston

Gary Charleston, 72, Cape Coral, FL, passed away on September 21, 2020.

Gary was born on June 17, 1948, to Vivian and Don Charleston.  He grew up in Minnetonka, MN, with his 3 younger brothers.  He lived a young boy’s dream childhood for his grandparents, who lived across the street, had baseball fields, and a go-kart track in their backyard.  Gary graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1966 and enlisted in the Navy in 1967. He served as a fighter aircraft electrical technician on two aircraft carriers and served a tour in Vietnam.

Gary met Randi Ruud and got married in the early 1970s. They moved around a lot due to Gary’s job as an EDM machine tool salesman.   His daughter Carly was born in 1976, and his son Troy in 1978.  In 1989, Gary and Randi divorced and he chose to stay in southern California. He married and divorced Bonnie Chabra in the early 1990s. 

Gary finally settled in Cape Coral, Florida in the late 1990s.  He became a part of the social scene and you could always find him at the Bait Shop or the Cabaret. He loved fishing and spending time with his friends.   In 2016 Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease which eventually led to his passing.

He is survived by his children, Carly Olson and Troy Charleston; brothers, Don (Geri) Charleston,

Jim Charleston, Mike (Julie) Sanderson and step-brother Paul Steiner; step-sister Margaret Steiner; step-mother, Elsie Charleston; and many more family and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, Vivian and Mike Sanderson; Don Charleston; and his brother Chris Charleston. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation and funeral services to be held by Gallaher American Family Funeral Home, Fort Myers, FL

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