Charles Joseph “C.J.” Delfino, Jr., of Gold Canyon, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. Honoring his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes will be spread over a special place by his partner, Margaret Carpenter Delfino, and his immediate family.
He is survived by his sons, Trey (Charles Joseph Delfino III) and Ryan Anthony Delfino and wife, Emily; and his beloved granddaughters, Avery and Juliana, who brought him immeasurable happiness. He is also survived by his sisters and brother, Linda (Franz) Nazem of New York, Ronda (Daniel) Barford of Ohio, Dennis (Tracy) Delfino of Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna K. Delfino and Charles “Bobby” Delfino, his sister, Diana Lynn, and his brother, Gordon Delfino.
Born on March 27, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, C.J., lived a life rich with music, friendship, humor, and heart. A gifted musician, he was especially known for his talent at the piano and his ability to fill any room with warmth, song, and laughter. He enjoyed staying active throughout his life and approached everything he did with enthusiasm and joy. Above all, C.J. will be remembered as a loving friend and someone who made others feel valued, welcomed, and deeply loved simply by being himself.
He will also be remembered fondly by his sisters-in-law Patricia (Mark) Forman and Julianna Carpenter; his nephew Jonathan of Ohio; and his extended Carpenter family in Florida, including his late in-laws Stanley and Ruth Carpenter, Catherine Royer (Tony), and Jerry Williams.
In remembrance of C.J., the family asks that those who knew him honor his generous spirit by doing something kind for someone else: write a note to a friend, call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, mend a relationship, or donate to a charity of your choice.
C.J. and I met in 7th grade at St. Matthias school in Columbus, and became best buddies. He later went to St. Charles H.S. then North High School while I went to DeSales. We remained friends. A favorite memory: I came home on leave from the Navy back in 1970-71. C.J. was singing at a club on High Street in the OSU area with a guitarist accompanying him. CCR’s “Proud Mary” was on his playlist. My date (who became my wife) and I came to listen. We lost track of each other by the mid-1970’s. Condolences to the family and his friends. He was fun to be around.
Ted and Linda Mosure
C.J. and I met in 7th grade at St. Matthias school in Columbus, and became best buddies. He later went to St. Charles H.S. then North High School while I went to DeSales. We remained friends. A favorite memory: I came home on leave from the Navy back in 1970-71. C.J. was singing at a club on High Street in the OSU area with a guitarist accompanying him. CCR’s “Proud Mary” was on his playlist. My date (who became my wife) and I came to listen. We lost track of each other by the mid-1970’s. Condolences to the family and his friends. He was fun to be around.
Ted and Linda Mosure