Charles George Lamelza, age 73, of Lansdale, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home, on Saturday, November 28th, 2020. He had been in failing health over the past few years. He was born on December 18th, 1946, in Lansdale, PA at Lansdale Hospital. He was the son of the late Mary Malack Lamelza and George Lamelza.
Known to his family and friends as Chuck, he was a lifelong resident of Lansdale, PA. As a child, he developed a love of sports. He enjoyed playing baseball and golf, but his true love was the game of basketball. His first basketball hoop was a peach basket where he began to master the craft of his jump shot. Chuck graduated from Lansdale Catholic High School in 1964. He had many wonderful classmates from Lansdale Catholic with many of them being life-long friends. He always spoke about the days of playing for formers Philadelphia 76ers coach Jim Lynam at Lansdale Catholic. His 1964 championship team was recognized at halftime of a Lansdale Catholic basketball game along with their coach Jim Lynam back in 2014 marking the 50th anniversary of this team. Chuck went on to play college basketball and baseball at Hagerstown Community College as well as York College where he received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Chuck led the basketball team at Hagerstown Community College in scoring during the 1969-70 season. His superior play earned him ALL-Maryland Junior College honors. In 2008, Chuck was inducted into the Hagerstown Community College Hall of Fame. He also served as assistant athletic director at York College from 1973-74. But through all of his studies and athletics, it was at Hagerstown Community College where he met his wife Victoria. Chuck and Victoria just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary back in March of 2020.
Upon graduating from York College, Chuck spent most of his working career with Prudential Insurance Company where he had various roles as a sales representative as well as a sales manager. While he enjoyed many years with Prudential, his true passion was working in the CYO at St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale where his children went to school. He devoted many countless hours as an Athletic Director at St. Stanislaus as well as a coach. In many of the summer months, he was able to run a basketball camp for the children of the school and community to improve their skills. Chuck continued to serve the sport of basketball as a referee for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association through much of his career as well.
Chuck was a true family man. His favorite destination was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his family along with multiple trips to The Basketball Hall of Fame. He loved family picnics and took much pride in making sure everyone attended. He always took an active role in his children’s live as well as his grandchildren. Chuck was a huge Boston Celtics fan and was able to make it to some of their games with his friends over the years at the Boston Garden. When it came time for College playoffs, March Madness, you would find him on the couch following his brackets. While music was secondary to sports, Chuck loved the music of The Temptations and The Four Tops. He also spent a lot of time golfing with his friends over the years as well.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Victoria, 3 loving children, Chuck Lamelza (Peggy), Chad Lamelza (Joanna), and Amanda Saitta, (Dan). Chuck is also survived by his 3 grandchildren, Luca, Dylan, and Bianna.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Monday, December 7th, 2020 at 10:30 AM, at St. Stanislaus Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will greet friends from 10 to 10:25 in, Church Prior to Mass. Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Lansdale. In the interest of keeping everyone safe, masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s name to Mater Dei Catholic School, 493 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446.
Vicki & family, we will all miss Chuck. He had a way of making us all laugh as soon as he entered a room. I will always remember how he delighted in teasing me, and I enjoyed the banter back and forth and teasing him right back!
Chuck was blessed to have you and the family in his life to take exceptionally good care of him – thanks for that and rest easy knowing you all truly made a difference.
He’s now at peace, without pain, and united in Heaven with others in our family who have gone before him. Know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts. And always remember that death leaves a wound that can never heal, but God leaves us memories that no one can steal. Those memories are with us all and will help us all heal.
Vicki and family .. I am so sorry to hear about Chuck he was the best, I have great memories of him since I was a little girl always kidding me my whole life. He ll be missed by so many… my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to learn of the passing of Chuck Lamelza. My sincere condolences to his family. I first met him, when he was a high school senior at Lansdale Catholic. He was one of the key members of a very unique team. His quiet leadership and stellar play helped set the tone for a basketball season that provided memories that lasted a lifetime. Along with his basketball skills, his combination of selflessness and toughness made him special. I join with his family & friends in celebrating his life. Many thanks my Friend. Rest In Peace.
To the Lamelza family , my deepest sympathies and condolences . I played many pick up basketball ball games with Chuck. Great shooter ! Chuck , not me. I was a defensive specialist. God bless and I’m sorry for your loss.
Vicki & Family
We were sadden to hear the news of Chuck’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family. May Chuck Rest In Peace & may God comfort you through these difficult times.
You are a strong & loving person. I watched you through the years taking care of Chuck.
Please know that you’re loving commitment to your husband gave him comfort in his passing.
God Bless,
Love, Jackie, Dave, & Logan
To Vickie and all the Lamelza family,
Rose and I were so sorry to learn of Chuck’s passing. The obituary was a beautiful summary of Chuck’s life and his achievements. I got to know Chuck in 1961 and have great memories of shooting hoops, swapping sports stories, and golfing, including a trip to Myrtle Beach.. I will greatly miss my long-time friend.
Rose and I send our condolences to all the family and will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony Saitta
My condolences to Chuck’s family.I was his classmate at Lansdale Catholic. I still laugh at some of his antics which I vividly remember.May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Andrea Kostik
Our deepest condolences to Chuck’s family. What a wonderful tribute to him. May he Rest In Peace.
Vicky and family,
So sorry about Chuck. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories of your life together help you through this difficult time.
Ruth & Bob Smith