Charles Mattina, father of Marylyn M. Zerbarini of Manhasset, died on July 3 at Grace Plaza Nursing Home in Great Neck, at the age of 95.

Born in Ragalmuto, Sicily, he came to the US in 1912. An entrepreneur, his first jobs included selling lemons and garlic on the streets of the Lower East Side. Years of hard work led to the building of and partnership in Chime Fashions, a dressmaking factory.

A gentle and caring man, his family was his primary joy. He was married to Leona (nee Zammataro) for 68 years and cared for her devotedly during her illness until the day of his death. Charles and Lena raised two children, Paul and Marylyn, and were loving guides to their five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Charles taught not through speech, but by example. His family strives to live up to the model he demonstrated. He lives on in the hearts of children Marylyn and Don Zerbarini and Paul and Connie Mattina and all their children.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, July 6 at St. Mary's R.C. Church in Manhasset, with interment at St. Charles Cemetery on Long Island. Donations in his memory may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, 15825 Shady Grove Road, Suite 140, Rockville, MD 20850-4022.