Charles R. Desjardins

Charles R. Desjardins, of Blackstone MA, formerly of Woonsocket RI, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020 after a heartbreaking battle with depression and Lewy Body Dementia. For 45 years, Charlie was the husband of Jeanne A. Desjardins (Lavallee) of Manville, RI. Charlie was born in Woonsocket on July 31, 1952 to the late Roland and Juliette (Cote) Desjardins. In his childhood, he enjoyed making mischief with his three brothers and 15 cousins. In his teenage years he loved working with his friends at Almacs, playing pick-up hockey games at Cass Pond, or working Bingo at Club Marquette. He graduated from Mount St. Charles Academy and Rhode Island College. When his two daughters, Emilie and Beth, were born, Charlie enjoyed being Mr. Mom, staying home with the girls, taking them for long walks around the neighborhood or hoisting them into a baby carrier, while he doing yard work. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandchildren, playing hide and seek, pushing them just a little too high on the swing set or sneaking them an extra cookie or chocolate. Charlie was the proud owner of Rick’s Tire and Auto Sales in Slatersville, RI where he treated all of his customers like friends, sharing stories of his travels and grandchildren, complete with photo evidence (usually with a thumb in the picture). He loved his job and the people he met each day. In the end, the disease robbed Charlie of so much, but for most of his life he was a man who sucked the marrow out of life, ordering the extra dessert, taking the vacation, or buying the new car. He loved his life at Lake Hiawatha and would spend hours on his boat taking laps around the cove, fishing pole in hand. He loved to golf and when he did, his big laugh could be heard all over the golf course. He exaggerated every story, but his confidence in his tales always made you question if maybe the fish really was ten pounds. He will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife, Jeanne he is survived by his two daughters, Emilie Perna and her husband Joe Perna of Milford, MA and Beth Schlesinger and her husband Zac Schlesinger of Clinton, MA. He is the brother of Dr. Paul Desjardins of Maplewood, NJ, Marc Desjardins of Vancouver WA, and Jacques Desjardins of Austin, Texas. He also leaves behind his granddaughters Eloise, Lucie and Mae Perna and grandsons Felix and Louie Schlesinger. Charlie enjoyed his extended family of 8 sister-in-laws, 5 brother-in-laws, as well as 18 nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Tributes

Charles R. Desjardins

April 20, 2020