Charles Rotolo
November 12 1939 - July 12 2025
Services:
Funeral Mass
Saturday July 19th 2025 at 12:00 pm
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus
, Ohio 43212
There will be a luncheon in the church hall following the Funeral Mass
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Obituary
Charles “Gus” Rotolo, age 85, of Grandview Heights, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 12, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, Gus was the proud son of Mary Gatto Rotolo and Peter Rotolo—a Sicilian immigrant and a first-generation Italian American—and he carried their legacy with deep pride. Gus’s childhood in Flytown was filled with the warmth of a large, close-knit family. Alongside his siblings Mary Angela, Kathryn, and Michael, and surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Gus grew up immersed in the values of community, heritage, and connection—values he carried with him every day of his life. A proud graduate of St. Francis Elementary and Rosary High School, Gus went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance from THE Ohio State University in 1961. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving honorably in the reserves until 1967. He continued his education, earning his MBA from Xavier University in 1977. In 1967, Gus met the love of his life, Margaret “Margie” O’Donnell, in Pittsburgh. The two began a partnership filled with laughter, resilience, and devotion that would span nearly six decades. They made their home in Grandview Heights, where they raised their children, Sean and Maura, in a household defined by love and loyalty. Gus built a successful career in the insurance industry, beginning at Ohio State Life and then Acceleration Life Insurance, before becoming an independent agent. His work touched communities across Ohio, and his professionalism earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike. He was also deeply committed to public service, serving on the Grandview Heights School Board—including a term as president—and the Grandview City Council. Gus was a familiar face at The Goldman Guild and an honorary member of the Paul’s Pantry “Board of Directors,” a group of local men who met in the evenings for coffee at Paul’s iconic restaurant to talk about local politics, gossip, and the news of the day. A master storyteller and jokester, Gus lit up every room he entered—whether at a block party, dinner with family and friends, or a casual trip to the grocery store, where he inevitably ran into someone he knew. He was generous with his laughter, rich with his wisdom, and steadfast in his love. Gus is survived by his devoted wife, Margie; his children Sean and Maura; his son-in-law Gary; and his grandsons, Henry, Oliver, and Zachary. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Peter, and his siblings Mary Angela, Kathy, and Mike. His legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the values we uphold, and the laughter we share. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Saturday July 19, 2025 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Marble Cliff, Ohio. Following the service, the family warmly invites all guests to join them for a luncheon in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Near Northside Emergency Material Assistance Program (NNEMAP), 677 East 11th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211 or at the link at www.johnquint.com where you can also leave a condolence.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Charles Rotolo
From : Cathy monaco parker
To : Margie sean maura and family
Date: July 14th 2025
Love and prayers sent to all of you. Memories of him will surely put a smile on our faces.
From : The Cipriani Family
To : The Rotolo Family
Date: July 15th 2025
I am so very sorry to hear about Gus' passing. He was a great man and loved by many. May his memory keep him alive in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers for the entire family.
From : The Dolciato Family
To : Maura Bowen
Date: July 16th 2025
Sending our deepest condolences with lots of hugs. ❤️
From : The Guggenaster Family
To : The Gus Rotolo Family
Date: July 16th 2025
Gus was a wonderful neighbor and while we will miss him, his goodness and kindness will never be forgotten. God's blessings, peace and our prayers to the entire family.
From : Lydia DeCarlo
To : Rotolo Family
Date: July 16th 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Gus’s passing. I have so many fond memories of him spending hours tending his rose garden and caring for his fish pond. He always welcomed our Ox Roast goldfish to his fish family and encouraged all our visits to them over the years including bringing our kids over to see them with Mimi and Papa. He was the best neighbor to everyone and will be remembered fondly. Wishing you many memories as you celebrate his life 💗
From : The Laux Family
To : Maura Gary and the whole Rotolo family
Date: July 16th 2025
Our deepest condolences.
From : Pam McManus
To : Margie Rotolo
Date: July 16th 2025
Gus’s friendly smile will be missed by many. Wishing you comfort and peace, Margie.
From : The Kaminski Family
To : Maura
Date: July 16th 2025
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
From : Ginny Gatto
To : Margie
Date: July 16th 2025
So sad to hear of Gus's passing. Although we weren't close, He was always one of my favorite cousins. I admired him geatly!! Condolences the your entire family!!
From : Debby Sullivan Seabolt
To : Margie and family
Date: July 16th 2025
So so sorry to hear about Gus’s passing…such a kind, sweet funny man…so many wonderful memories…sending love to you all
From : Lenny and Mary Ann Labriola
To : Margie Rotolo and Family
Date: July 17th 2025
Dear Margie, We send our love and deep sympathy for your loss of Gus, a source of quick intellect, witty humor and steadfast love and devotion. We treasure the traditions and memories that we shared during our times together. Gus was the model of a life well lived and a treasure in your life and the lives of your family. May God bless him with peace and you with the consolation that true love never dies. Lenny & Mary Ann
From : Ben and Jeanne Meleca
To : Margie Sean and Maura
Date: July 17th 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We are sorry we cannot attend the Mass for Gus, but we will be thinking of you, and of Gus on Saturday. May he rest in peace.
From : All Who Knew Gus
To : The Rotolo Family
Date: July 18th 2025
In quiet gratitude
A path lined with warmth, kindness, and good will.
He lent a hand without a fuss,
A quiet strength, our neighbor Gus.
His kindness wove through every year,
A steady grace that lingered near.
From long ago to skies today,
His warmth will never drift away.
May peace be his, through Heaven’s door—
A gentle soul, forevermore.
With love and remembrance,
All who knew Gus