ELKHART -- Charles Joseph "Charley" Manfredi, 89, of Elkhart, Ind., passed away on July 22, 2008, at his home after bravely battling a rare live cancer (Carcinoid tumors) for three years.

He was born on Oct. 6, 1918, in Elkhart to the late Joseph and Lucy (Renaldi) Manfredi. He was formerly married to Grace Owens. She lives in Scottsboro, Ala.

Mr. Manfredi is survived by a brother, Joseph (Penny) Manfredi of Elkhart; two sisters, Margaret Milanese and Albena (Eddie) Bollero, both of Elkhart; Pat Roll, his best friend and primary caregiver of Elkhart; many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; Gary Malcom a close friend; and Nate and Angie Roll and their children, Irie, Piper Jo Roll and Doc Sarver, all of Elkhart, where Charley spent his Sundays looking at all kinds of ball games.

Mr. Manfredi worked for A & W for many years and eventually managed and owned various A & W drive-ins in Elkhart and Michigan. He opened the first Chicken Coop Restaurant on U.S. 20 West in Elkhart in 1948. He was a life member of Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 and a member of the American Legion. He was also a former member of Elkhart Moose Lodge 599 and Elkhart Elks Lodge 425.

Mr. Manfredi loved to play cards with his friends, enjoyed fine dining, was a great dancer, and he loved to tell stories. Mr. Manfredi was a veteran of World War II and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In today's paper on Page A6, please read of his duty, respect, love, and honor for the flag of our country in an article written many years ago by Staff Sergeant Dick Gordon, a Marine Corps combat correspondent, formerly of The Chicago Daily News.

Mr. Manfredi never forgot his fellow veterans. He made a generous contribution to the veteran's vacation home located on Simonton Lake so that veterans and active duty soldiers could have some R & R.

At his request there will be no visitation or services, nor a photo in the obituary. Private entombment will take place at the Chapel Of Faith Mausoleum in Rice Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorials may be given to Hospice & Palliative Care 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46634 or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County 23971 US Hwy. 33, Elkhart, IN 46517.

Charley will be dearly missed by Pat Roll, his family, and friends. He was a one-of-a kind guy.

Billings Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, where you may visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Charley or to send a condolence.