Charles J. Ardito, Esq., 89, died peacefully at his home in West Yarmouth on August 25, surrounded and held by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Prudence (Barry) Ardito and the late Barbara (Caruso) Ardito. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, to Charles and Sylvia (Valente) Ardito, he was the oldest of four children. Charlie was many things to many people. In his long, interesting life he wore many hats: Judge, Attorney, Entrepreneur, Restaurant owner, Builder. He liked to create things, whether thinking of a new bold idea or a vegetable garden. He was always on the go, an energetic firecracker. He was also quite a storyteller and a natural born writer. When moved, he would sit down and write beautiful, vivid stories of his childhood in Somerville Massachusetts. He would write of people long gone and his neighborhood on Holland street. When his Father died when he was twelve, he stepped into the role of Father figure to his siblings and did all he could to help his family survive. He took to shining shoes for money, carrying his handmade shoe shine box to the corner to help keep food on the table. The hardworking self-starter was born on that corner, putting himself through college after serving in WWII on the GI bill, then working his way through law school. While working a Summer Cape Cod job (a dream for a city kid he would always say) he met and fell in love with his first wife Barbara, at Lobster in the Rough. He also fell in love with Cape Cod, where he ultimately made his home for 60 years. He and Barbara raised their family there and were a much-loved part of the community.

Charlie was interested in everything; especially cars, history and cooking. He loved to travel, all over the world and finding a home away from home in Rockport Massachusetts where he first started going to visit his Aunts as a child. The sea always had a strong call to him. Most especially, his favorite place to go was his beloved St. Maarten, where he would walk the the gorgeous sand beaches with an enormous walking stick he found there, one he still has in his home today. Saturday mornings back on the Cape were a fun ritual, the day spent tooling around his favorite errand spots (Bradford’s Hardware and Honey Dew Donuts, also hitting any yard sale of course) in “Klank” his yellow 1931 Model A. He loved having his kids in tow, dog Tootsie by his side, honking the throaty horn to all who watched him go by with a big smile and wave. Then on to “projects” around the house or with his cars. He loved to tinker. He also loved his small ball jar of vino at the end of a long day while listening to “All Things Considered.” He had already laughed his head off at “Car Talk”, then on to the news of the world. He was a true force of nature, overcoming obstacles with perseverance and moxie. It served him well. He founded his own Law office, taking young attorneys under his wing.

In 1970, Governor Francis W. Sargent appointed Charlie a Special Justice of the Second District Court of Barnstable, where he served for 10 years. As the youngest justice in the Trial Court at that time, Judge Ardito quickly gained a reputation for innovative sentencing, providing justice to the victim and encouraging the perpetrator to make meaningful change with community service retribution. He would often say,” I am going to have you work to redeem yourself. You have this chance now, but if I see you back in my courtroom again you better bring your toothbrush because you ain’t leaving.” In his later years, Charlie concentrated his practice on Elder Law and volunteered many hours providing legal counseling in Senior Centers in Dennis, Yarmouth, Brewster, and other nearby towns. As a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators, Charlie also mediated cases for a number of years at First District Court of Barnstable. He was a member of many organizations and boards- too many to list. Even with all these achievements, his “familia” was most important to him. At the tender age of 81 he married Prudy and another chapter of happiness began for him. Charlie and Prudy travelled and laughed, cooked and loved their animals. Prudy also stepped into the role of Mother and Grandmother to our family and he was truly happy and very blessed. Beloved by so many and role model to those within his family and throughout, Charlie was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, generous with advice, counsel and an open door. He will forever be missed by the many lives he touched.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Charles J. Ardito, III, of West Yarmouth; two daughters, Cynthia Ardito Fields (John) of Holliston and Andrea Ardito (Brad Lebo) of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; his sister, Virginia Zompanti (Carlo) of Medford; grandchildren Isabel, Henry, Tyler and Camden; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Paul and John Ardito.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, August 29th, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth. Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Pius the Tenth Parish, Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, with burial to follow at Woodside Cemetery, Summer Street, Yarmouth Port.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Dear Chuck, Cindy, and Andrea, We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful person. He was always upbeat and positive. He will be missed. With love, Anastasia and Tom Perrino

Along with all the enjoyable memories of the Judge was his recalling the adage, "Behold the turtle he only moves ahead when he sticks his neck out." The people response to tha was gifts of turtles resulting in an impressive collection of turtles Hale and Farewell.

Our sincere condolences for your loss.