Charles Thomas Mestrich Sr.

Charles Thomas Mestrich Sr., age 87, of Astoria, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Astoria. He was born June 18, 1925, in Astoria, to Christopher M. and Catherine Natalie (Turina) Mestrich. Raised in Astoria, he attended St. Mary, Star of the Sea School, graduating in 1943. In August 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until June 1946. On June 28, 1947, he married Pauline Rose Friedrich in Astoria. She preceded him in death on July 10, 2011. After his military service, Mr. Mestrich returned to Astoria and worked at Tongue Point with the Reserve Fleet. He then worked with his father at Chris’ News, eventually co-owning it with his brother. He retired in 1990 at the age of 65. He was a member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Clatsop Post 12 American Legion, Astoria Elks Lodge No. 180, Astoria Rotary and Astoria Golf and Country Club. Family members said his hobbies included managing his stock portfolio, vegetable gardening, trimming trees and crawfishing. He is survived by three sons, Fred Mestrich and his wife, Ann, of Astoria, Charles Mestrich Jr. and his wife, Susie, of Eugene and Richard Mestrich Sr. of Concord, Calif.; three daughters, Christine Matson and her husband, Dwight, and Katherine Heck and her husband, Nicholas, all of Astoria, and Paula Mestrich Young and her life partner, Huey McLaughlin, of Battle Ground,Wash.; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 20, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1465 Grand Ave. in Astoria, followed by a reception at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea School Auditorium, and a graveside service with military honors at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103 or to the Clatsop Co. Historical Society, P.O. Box 88, 714 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103. Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com