Charles Daniel Roncelli

Charles "Charlie" Daniel Roncelli, 80, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at his home residence, surrounded by family. He was born June 24, 1942 in Watsonville, CA to Charles and Alphie Roncelli.

Charlie married Erline Thompson in 1962, they just celebrated their 60th anniversary. They had 2 children, Robin and John. Charlie worked for many years at the PG&E Moss Landing Power Plant where he later retired as the operations supervisor in 1994.

He was an avid collector of all types of antiques. He was most known for his world-renowned gopher trap collection, which is one of the largest collections in the United States. He also collected, and enjoyed working on, Hit & Miss gas engines, antique vehicles and he enjoyed working in his garden. He enjoyed swap meets, and participating in yard-selling with his wife, Erline. Wherever he went, it was a guarantee that he knew the value of anything antique. It seemed as if one man's junk was always his treasure. Charlie was planning to display his vintage lock collection and Hit & Miss engines at the Santa Cruz County Fair, but unfortunately was unable to make it. Displaying his antiques for others to see and learn about brought him a lot of joy.

Charlie was a member of the North American Trap Collectors Assoc., the Gas Engine Club, and the Muzzle Loading Club. He loved to shoot his 50 caliber muzzle loader.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father Charles Roncelli and mother Alphie Roncelli. He is survived by his wife, Erline Roncelli of Watsonville, two children, John Roncelli of Watsonville, Robin (Mike) Torrecillas of Watsonville, his sister Vida (Adam) Huber of Reno. He had five grandchildren, Danielle (Ian) Vietti of Visalia, Kaden Roncelli of Watsonville, Elizabeth Roncelli of Visalia, Katherine Roncelli of Tennessee, and Charlie Torrecillas of Watsonville.

No funeral or memorial service is scheduled at this time. The family of Charles will notify family and friends when a celebration of life is scheduled.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 15, 2022