Obituary: Charles C. Saraca, Former Official Led Anti-Smoking Campaign-August 27, 1986

Survived by his wife of many years, Angelina (Sansone) Saraca, Mr. Saraca was widely remembered for his fierce dedication to Norwood’s youth, his colorful sense of humor, and a memorable public campaign against indoor smoking during municipal meetings.

A Pioneering Anti-Smoking Stand

Mr. Saraca drew widespread attention five years prior when he threatened to resign from the school committee unless his fellow members stopped smoking during official sessions. True to his word, he famously brought a tiny portable fan and air purifier to clear cigarette smoke from his side of the committee table until his colleagues voluntarily agreed to take their smoking breaks outside.

Though he had most of his right lung removed eight years earlier due to smoking-induced disease and had previously beaten cancer, Mr. Saraca continued public service undeterred. In his final years, while serving on the town’s handicapped commission, he regularly attended meetings while carrying an oxygen tank to breathe. His son, Charles L. (“Chuck”) Saraca of Walpole, noted that his father fought illness valiantly for 12 years before passing away peacefully in his sleep.

A Lifelong Dedication to Norwood Youth

Born in Walpole and a resident of Norwood for 44 years, Mr. Saraca left a profound mark on local sports and community organizations. During his six-year tenure as president of the Norwood Little League, Selectmen Chairman Joseph Curran noted that Mr. Saraca championed the inclusive policy ensuring that every child received playing time rather than sitting on the bench.

School committee member Joseph (Mitch) Pentowski recalled Mr. Saraca’s ability to diffuse tense municipal debates with a well-timed joke, as well as his parting message to youth: “If they could only see how I was gasping for air, maybe they wouldn’t destroy their lungs.”

Business Career and Community Involvement

Outside of municipal governance, Mr. Saraca was self-employed for 30 years operating Brady’s Shoe Store in Walpole and later worked for John Hancock Life Insurance Co. before retiring a decade prior. A World War II Army veteran, he was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Greater Norwood Chamber of Commerce, the Norwood Kiwanis Club, the Norwood Elks, and the Walpole Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, Angelina; his son, Charles L. Saraca of Walpole; three daughters, Margaret R. Saraca of Norwood, Patricia A. Saraca of Falmouth, and Linda Saraca-Bennett of California; a sister, Anna Silvi of Walpole; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Catherine of Siena Church, with burial following in Highland Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Paul H. Kraw Funeral Home at 1248 Washington Street. Memorial donations may be directed to the Norfolk County Newton Lung Association.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger