Charles Conides

Sep 21, 1924 -

Nov 11, 2021

Charles C. Conides, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, since 1961, died on Nov. 11, 2021, at age 97, at home with his family.

Charlie was born on Sept. 21, 1924, in Manhattan, N.Y. He was one of 21 children. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Before entering combat in World War II, he met the love of his life and wife of 76 years, Beryl Meade, in England. After the war, they married and started a family. They lived many places, including Germany, Kentucky, Virginia, Washington, Hawaii and their home of 60 years, Alaska.

During his military career, Charlie served 23 years in the Army, achieving the ranking of Sargeant Major, 20 years in Civil Service as a Commissary Officer and retired in 1981.

The family moved to Alaska in 1961 and knew they wanted to settle here. After retiring, Charlie worked for John Stepps Friendly Ford, where he bought Beryl a bright orange 1965 Mustang.

Charlie loved fishing on the Russian River. He fished until he was 90, and was known on the river for his expertise. Beryl helped filet, can and deliver salmon to family in the U.S. and U.K.

Charlie was known for his kindness, generosity, compassion, for always putting his family first and for being their rock. He carried himself with pride, strong values and character. As a soldier, he was incredibly courageous and hard-working.

He was preceded in death by his son, Charles M. Conides; his parents; and 20 siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Beryl; daughters, Helen Collins, Sandra Butler, Beryl O'Dell (son-in-law Jess O'Dell) and Yvette Conides; grandchildren, Jeremiah Thibodeaux, Michelle Agron, Charlie Collins, Kathleen Baer, Ryan Doyle, Riley Doyle and Taylor Conides; 11 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be at Legacy Heritage Chapel, 440 East Klatt Road, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. Burial will follow at Fort Richardson National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.