Classic Coffee Systems Charles Chiarello Dies

NEW YORK CITY -- Charles "Charlie" Chiarello, a veteran office coffee service operator, died on Feb. 1, following a long illness. He was 63.

Chiarello cofounded Classic Coffee Systems, a prominent metropolitan New York OCS provider, which he owned and operated for 34 years with longtime business partner John Malizio. They sold the business to Long Island's Corporate Coffee Systems last April. Chiarello was featured in a Vending Times cover story detailing the acquisition.

He was an avid golfer, musician, student of Italian language and culture, and Yankee fan. He was also a coach, mentor and volunteer in Long Island's Valley Stream community.

He is survived by his wife, Chris; children Doug and Greg; siblings, Robert, Paul and Gloria; and a grandson, Tinsae.

"Throughout his life, Charlie led by example, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those less fortunate," said Corporate Coffee Systems president and chief executive David Henchel. "He will be greatly missed by the people whose lives he touched both personally and professionally."

Calling hours will be held at Edward F. Lieber funeral home at 266 North Central Ave. in Valley Stream, NY, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at St. Boniface Church in Elmont.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to BeTheMatch.org.