Charles Luiz, 89, of Manchester died February 17, 2010 at Elliot Hospital after a sudden illness.
Born in Lowell, MA on December 14, 1920, he was the son of Manuel and Maria (Jardin) Luiz. He lived in Manchester most of his life.
He graduated from West High School in 1939, and from the New Hampshire Technical Institute in 1952.
During World War II he was one of four brothers who served in the US Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in North Africa, Italy, Normandy, the Netherlands, Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge, and Germany.
Mr. Luiz retired from federal employment in 1980 after 30 years with the US Air Force at Grenier and Pease Air Force bases, and the New Boston Air Force Satellite Tracking Station.
In October 2009, he was proud to be among fellow WWII veterans who traveled to Washington, DC to the WWII Memorial under the auspices of Honor Flight New England.
He enjoyed ballroom dancing, square dancing and woodworking, especially making toys and doll furniture for his granddaughters.
IN HIS LIFE: The family includes his wife of 68 years, Edith R. (Plourde) Luiz of Manchester; two daughters, Diana Furbish and her husband, Robert, of Saco, ME, and Judith Smith and her husband, Jerre, of Candia; six granddaughters, Elizabeth, Laura and Sarah Furbish and Allison, Katie and Megan Smith; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Patricia E. Luiz; brothers, Albert Luiz, J. John Luiz and Edward Luiz; sisters, Agnes Luiz, Ida Souto, Minnie Hebert and Cecilia Beaudoin.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, February 22, 2010 at St. Catherine Church, corner of Webster and Hemlock streets, Manchester. Committal prayers followed at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.
Donations may be made to Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106.