Charles John Ciarrocchi, Jr.

Charles John Ciarrocchi Jr (Chuck) passed away early Tuesday morning at his home in Wilmington, surrounded by his wife and seven children.

Born in 1954 in Coatesville, PA to Mary and Charles J. Ciarrocchi Sr. He was a proud graduate of St. Patrick’s in Kennett Square, Salesianum High School (Class of ‘72), and Villanova University (Class of ‘76). A third generation mushroom farmer, he founded C&C Carriage Mushroom Co. during his college days. And later succeeded his father as President and CEO of Modern Mushroom Farms, which he led with passion, grace, and integrity for three decades. He was incredibly proud to spend the last year sharing the leadership of the business with his son CJ.

He was a devoted husband and father, a larger-than-life storyteller, a generous host, and a quiet supporter of many causes and organizations. Chuck’s children inherited his enthusiastic work ethic, keeping busy with many activities and pursuits. Endlessly proud, he loved to sit front and center at all of their community theatre productions, sports games, music performances, movie premieres, graduations, and more. His family and friends will remember him sitting by his fire with a cigar in his mouth, a glass of Grey Goose in one hand, and a rosary in the other.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diane Fasano Ciarrocchi; his children, Carly Ciarrocchi of Kingston, NY, Justine Ciarrocchi of Los Angeles, CA, CJ Ciarrocchi of Wilmington, DE, Miranda Ciarrocchi Succoso of Wilmington, Mary Bryan Ciarrocchi of NYC, Avery Ciarrocchi Oliva of Wilmington, and Samantha Ciarrocchi of Philadelphia, PA; his sister Pat Ciarrocchi of Merion, PA and his brother Jamie Ciarrocchi of Chadds Ford, PA. He was Babbo to five grandchildren: Leo, Archie, Charlotte, Filomena and Sonny.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington DE 19803 and on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:30am-11:00am at St. Joseph on The Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, DE 19807. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jesuit Prison Education Network, or Archmere Academy.

Go Birds. Go Hoyas.

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Dan Bathon writes,

To the Chiarrocchi Family, Chuck was a familiar smiling face to me all through Salesianum and Villanova. He was a great fan of football and he remains indelibly in my mind today as I mourn his passing. I have been exchanging messages with many men from my Nova days and he is a loss to us all. The Sallies guys are chiming in as well! Our deepest condolences and sympathy at your time of loss. Our prayers are with you!!! Dan Bathon and many Villanova and Sallies friends!

01/07/2026 11:42 am

Nancy Hauck writes,

I am so sorry for your loss. So glad you were all with him. He left an outstanding legacy of wife, children and grandchildren who will continue to enrich their world. I hope memories will sustain you all through the valley.

01/07/2026 12:38 pm

The Bahar Family writes,

A wonderful, caring man of great character who brought joy to so many. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences.

01/07/2026 12:47 pm

Ryan McGarry lit a candle and writes,

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Ciarrocchi was truly one of a kind. We will always remember how he welcomed us so generously. Letting us play on his basketball court, swim in his pool, and making everyone feel right at home. He never missed a chance to come out and crack a joke, especially about how Dicky needed to build a basketball court in his own backyard. He was the most generous man and such a genuinely welcoming human being. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

01/07/2026 12:59 pm

Susan Zaleski lit a candle and writes,

Chuck was such a wonderful family man and big supporter of all his children's endeavors. He was one of the good guys and will be missed by many.

01/07/2026 01:03 pm

Jack DePierro writes,

My memories of Chuck are those of a friend and brother. Always a smile, a little ribbing at all Jamie’s friends came with love. I’ll remember the best of him. God Speed and God Bless. Dipper

01/07/2026 01:24 pm

Nicholas Dargenio writes,

My deepest sympathies to the entire family.

01/07/2026 01:49 pm

Jacqueline Serrano Lugo lit a candle and writes,

Chuck was a man who was always very proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. An intelligent businessman who cared about his employees and was always there when they were ill or had lost a family member. I am so proud to have worked for him for so many years and for everything he did for many of us. He has now joined his father and I believe they will be angels, not only watching for their family but also for CJ who Chuck taught him everything his own father taught him. Will miss you and will pray for you and your family!

01/07/2026 02:43 pm

Sylka Quinones lit a candle and writes,

To all family members of Mr. Charles J. Ciarrocchi Jr. Our company was truly a better place because of Mr. Ciarrocchi. His vision, leadership and dedication made a lasting impact. The impact Mr. Ciarrocchi had on all of us, and on the company, will be felt for years to come. Please know the entire team is here to support you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. We will continue to honor his memory through our job, commitment and values of the company. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Mr. Ciarrocchi. Your team of Modern Mushroom Farms, Inc.

01/07/2026 03:25 pm

Hunter Bouchard lit a candle and writes,

My deepest condolences to the entire Ciarrocchi family. Sending you all love and prayers during this difficult time

01/07/2026 04:15 pm

Tom Grimm writes,

Chuck was the quintessential “man’s man” who also had a heart of gold. He and I co-chaired the Facilities committee of the Archmere Board of Trustees in the early 2000’s when the school renovated the entire campus and built the Student Life Center. We met weekly on Fridays at 7:30am with the construction manager, Fr McLaughlin, and others for a full year. That’s when Chuck first invited me to his home for his Grey Goose cocktail hour. We got together for these cocktail hours periodically for the next 25 years - at his home in Westover Hills or his home at the Jersey shore. It was always a treat for me. I will miss Chuck’s friendship immensely. My heartfelt sympathies to Diane and their 7 wonderful children.

01/07/2026 04:22 pm

Donna Godfrey lit a candle and writes,

When I met Diane in Perugia, Italy (‘75); she had just gotten a ‘Dear John’ letter from her boyfriend & she swore she’d never get married or have kids! So, when she met Chuck & they got married, she told me that he was her perfect match, like 2 pieces of a jigsaw puzzle!❣️. I was thrilled for her! Chuck was the light in her life, that gave her a foundation & purpose! When Carly was born I called her & she said, “I know what I said in Perugia, but she is so perfect”❣️ that was all I needed to hear, the joy & happiness in her voice! The times I traveled back east & made a point to visit Chuck & Di + the kids, it was a family full of love! My condolences to you all, especially Di, I send prayers of comfort, strength and love.🙏🏻🙏🏻😢💔🙏🏻💓😢

01/07/2026 04:46 pm

Vince Lunetta writes,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Chuck preceded me for years at St. Ann’s Chapel, and I always admired his quiet confidence in his faith. I feel fortunate to have known him.

01/07/2026 04:55 pm

Sharman Stephenson writes,

I’m so sorry to learn of Charlie Ciarrocchi’s death. He was a generous supporter and a good friend of Archmere Academy. His children were talented cast members of the Archmere theatre performances and he and Diane were enthusiastic supporters. His death is a great loss to his family and his community. May he rest in God’s Peace.

01/07/2026 06:04 pm

Pamela Lindvall lit a candle and writes,

We were devastated to learn of Chucks passing. Our condolences to you and the children. Wonderful guy. Peter and Pam

01/07/2026 07:17 pm

Frank Natoli lit a candle and writes,

My deepest condolences to Diane and their wonderful family. May his amazing memories last forever. Blessings to you forever .

01/07/2026 07:51 pm

Doreen Metzner writes,

My deepest condolences to you, Diane, and to your entire family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

01/08/2026 02:32 am

Frank and Ruth DiSerafino lit a candle and writes,

Frank is Chuckie's cousin, and when he heard Chuckie had pass away, he was devastated. We send our Love to Diane and Children. God Bless Frank DiSerafino

01/08/2026 07:40 am

Lori Citro lit a candle and writes,

Chuck was such a good guy. So funny. I remembering him and the entire family at St Edmund's and the WDL doing whatever it took to get the shows going. He will be missed.

01/08/2026 08:19 am

Carl Swanson writes,

Pat: my deepest sympathy and prayers for Chuck. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him

01/08/2026 09:07 am

David Plaza writes,

We are so saddened by this news. Chuck was a great role model and mentor to many. Such a terrific loss to our community. Sending our heartfelt condolences to Diane and their seven fabulous children. Rest in peace Chuck! Plaza Family

01/08/2026 09:47 am

Kathryn writes,

Our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved on. May cherished memories and earnest prayer bring comfort for family and friends at this time. Isaiah 41:10

01/08/2026 11:26 am

Randall Knight writes,

I give my heartfelt and sincere condolences to Chuck's family. I had the honor and pleasure to work for Chuck, the Best employer i ever had, not even close. Will always look back fondly at our conversation outside the hotel in Anaheim while at a trade convention. Gonna miss you Sir...

01/08/2026 02:33 pm

Ellen Katz Brosamle lit a candle and writes,

We send your family love from all of us, and our deep condolences. I am so sorry for your painful loss. He left a lasting, loving impression on everyone he met, I’m sure. He certainly did with me… God bless you all. 🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

01/08/2026 03:15 pm

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