Charles "Chuck" Joseph Urnezis

Charles "Chuck" Joseph Urnezis was born April 2, 1947 in Rockford, Illinois to Charlie and Tina Urnezis. Chuck was the second child and first son for his parents and he completed their family (until his pesky little brother Michael was born 17 months later!). Chuck moved with his extended family to San Diego in 1952, where they settled on Utah Street in Normal Heights, and where his youngest brother John was born. Chuck grew up devoted to his siblings, cousins and lifelong friends; he was loyal, caring, and endlessly dedicated. Chuck attended neighborhood schools and graduated from Hoover High School in 1965. 

Immediately after high school, Chuck took off for San Francisco to work as a short-order cook. He returned to San Diego, married Kimberly Awrey and together they had Todd, Troy and Tammy. Chuck later met and married Teresa “Terri” Kempka on Valentine’s Day in 1982 and spent the next 42 years in their very own version of wedded bliss!

The Longhorn restaurant has been a special place for both Chuck and Terri. One day Chuck walked in the door and Terri decided that he would be her future husband. Sure enough, the Longhorn is where he later proposed to her, and where they celebrated their wedding reception, their 25th wedding anniversary and his retirement.

The Utah Street house where Chuck’s grandmother, Mamie, settled the family passed to Chuck and Terri in 1986 and with that the honor of hosting all family gatherings and celebrations, including the annual family Christmas Eve. In 2000, Terri and Chuck realized Terri’s dream of living on “The Hill” in Del Cerro Heights and a 48-year history was moved east with an amazing view and even bigger parties!

Chuck was known as "Mr. Fixit" for his natural aptitude in understanding how things work. Chuck worked for Auto-Chlor, maintaining dishwashing units for restaurants and bars, delivering water for Sparkletts and then servicing the Aqua-Vend machines in front of grocery stores. Chuck's main career was with Cass Plumbing where as a younger man he honed his plumbing skills and later moved into customer service. He was known affectionately as "the Schmooze," having combined two of his natural talents (understanding how both things and people work).

Chuck's zest for life took him herding cattle in Bolivia, deep sea fishing for tuna, and sunset cruising on the bay. He and Terri traveled to Maui every year when his brothers Mike and John lived there. Chuck never lost his love of cooking and he and Terri spent many hours watching the Food Network and creating dishes of their own. Terri did the spicing and Chuck the actual cooking. A diehard Padres fan, Chuck rarely missed a game on the radio, TV or in person! Chuck took up wood sculpting and created many beautiful pieces that have graced all of our homes for decades. Chuck followed in his mother, father and sister Joanne’s footsteps, tending his plants and garden, especially his vibrant roses and plumerias, sharing their beauty with everyone. 

Though his sister had been struck with polio in the summer of 1953, Chuck and his brother Mike were fortunate to be San Diego County's first recipients of the original polio vaccine, administered by Jonas Salk himself in April 1955. They got their picture in the paper and that photo was later discovered in a 1988 issue of US News and World Report!

Chuck’s joy and treasure were his family, friends, and his animals, particularly his chihuahua Stitch. He is preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law Hal and Bonnie Kempka; his older sister Joanne and her husband Al Hunt; his younger brothers Mike and John; and many beloved relatives and cherished friends. Chuck is survived by his wife Terri; his children Todd, Troy and Tammy Urnezis (Monica Marino); his grandchildren Jayme, Justin, Jessica, Zachary, Christopher, and Madison; his great-grandchildren Felisia, Arayah, Kataleya, Cambreia, Rykin, Sierra, Karsyn, Mila, Savannah, Benjamin and Jeremiah; and countless doting nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church located at 8350 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego, CA , 92119. A reception at the church will follow the service.