Charles F. Nunes, age 96, of Burlington, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Charlie was the son of the late Antonio H. Nunes and Maria M. (Fernandes) Nunes. He was born in Woburn, MA on March 16, 1930; however, he grew up on the family farm in Madeira, Portugal. His father died when he was only two years old, leaving his mother to care for six children under extremely difficult circumstances. At the age of 16, he returned to the US in search of a better life. Originally, he lived with his sister Adelaide and his brother-in-law John. Eventually, the rest of his family also returned to the US.

A few years later he met the love of his life, Eva at a religious/social event in Saugus. They were introduced by a mutual friend because they had the same last name. They were married in 1952 and together they pursued their version of the American dream. Charlie took whatever work he could find to support his young family, including factory and construction jobs. He eventually became a machinist at Lawson Mfg. Co. where he worked for approximately 20 years.

Charlie and Eva purchased their first home in 1960, a two-family house in Arlington which Charlie completely renovated in about a year. Then he built an addition, digging the foundation with only a shovel. A few years later they purchased a three-story Victorian across the street as an investment property which Charlie also renovated. In 1966, they purchased their forever home, this time a brand new home in Burlington. Charlie added an in-law apartment which, at different times, provided living space for many generations of family. He also enlarged the kitchen and handcrafted additional cabinets to match the original ones.

At age 42, Charlie decided to learn a new trade. He went to work for his brother-in-law Joe at S & N Auto Body. In a few short years he was a master “body man.” He worked for several years at Rowe Chevrolet in Lexington as well as several other dealerships and private auto body shops where he earned an excellent reputation.

After approximately 45 years of hard work, Charlie was able to enjoy a long retirement of more than 35 years where he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and maintaining and improving his home, and helping his family repair and improve their homes. People would say that Charlie could fix anything!

Charlie and Eva were married for 70 years. They were the loving parents of Charles Nunes & his wife Catharine of Burlington, Roger Nunes of Aldie, VA, and Shirley Lunetta & her husband Richard of Burlington. They were the proud grandparents of Sally and Richard Lunetta, Christopher Nunes, and Bryan Bonaccolto. Charlie was predeceased by his beloved wife Eva, his sisters Mary Joaquim, Anna Macedo, and Adelaide Pestana, and his brothers Joseph and Robert Nunes.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Monday, October 19 from 4pm to 7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. His funeral service will begin at the funeral home at 9am on Tuesday October 20th with a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10am at Saint Veronica's Parish in St. Margaret's Church, 111 Winn St. Burlington. Burial will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations in Charlie’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.