Charles Khalil Arbeely

Charles K. Arbeely, of Waltham, formerly of Belmont, passed away on July 15, 2019.  He was 91 years old.

Born and raised in Boston’s South End, Charlie attended Boston Public Schools and was a life-long parishioner of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church.  After graduating from English High School, Charlie worked in retail at Jordan Marsh.  Soon after, he was drafted by the US Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War.  Following the war, he went to school to become a licensed cosmetologist and in the late 1950’s opened the very successful “Charles’ Coiffures” on Beacon St. in Brookline.  He owned and operated his shop for over 40 years before becoming a case auditor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue, specializing in complicated cases.

Charlie was very active in his community.  He loved the outdoors and the arts, volunteering at numerous theatre companies, and in recent years, volunteering at Mt. Auburn Hospital. 

He was a dear friend to many, always eager to help out anyone he could, anytime he could, especially those closest to him.  Charlie was an avid cook, specializing in Arabic cuisine. He was happiest around his family which included his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.  Everyone around him felt his gentle kindness and generosity.  One of his favorite quotes, and one he lived by, was from Mark Twain and reads, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Charlie was the dear and devoted husband of the late Amy (Sakey). Loving father of Charles Arbeely and his wife Tami of Wilmington and Douglas Arbeely and his wife Michelle of Wellesley.  Cherished grandfather “Gido” of Amelia, Jessica, Aaron and Ava.  Dear brother of the late Samuel Arbeely, Nora Iacoviello, George Arbeely, Nancy Hajjar and Joseph Arbeely.  He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Charlie’s Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, 8 Inman St. in Cambridge.  Visiting hours will be held in the Church Friday 5-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlie’s memory may be made to the Church.

Charlie will be laid to rest with his beloved Amy at Fairview Cemetery in Boston.

Florists:  Please deliver directly to the Church.

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