Charles Gannetta

Charles (Charlie) Gannetta, 83, of Groton, CT, passed away peacefully at William W. Backus Hospital on October 1, 2026.

Charlie was born, raised, and grew old in Groton, CT. At the short age of 16, Charlie started in the workforce with a full-time job. Shortly after, he began his favorite job as a rigger at General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he proudly worked for 23 years. At the same time, he was a volunteer at the Poquonnock Bridge fire department. He then went to work at Mohegan Sun as an employee bus driver, where he enjoyed spontaneous visits from his daughter Julie, and grandchildren Amanda & Markie, where he would take them on bus rides. Charlie then retired but continued working for the Town of Groton as a crossing guard at Charles Barnum.

Charlie’s hobbies included wrestling, where he started watching with his daughter at a young age, and then moved to watching with his grandson Markie. One of his favorite surprises was made by his son-in-law Mark and grandson Markie, when they treated him to live WWE matches. If his TV wasn’t on a wrestling match, you would catch him keeping up with his favorite MLB team, the New York Yankees. Charlie spent most of his time surrounded by his grandchildren and enjoying their activities like playing bingo with Amanda, and Markie & Jacob’s baseball games. And after Charlie began not being able to do much, his favorite passed time was going on breakfast dates with his family & getting visits from his granddog Buster and great granddog Cali.

Charlie is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Julie and Mark Bastien Jr., granddaughter Amanda (Vinnie) Fournier, grandson Mark Bastien III, and Jacob Charles Bastien, all of Norwich; one niece Dawn Giesing-Rebein of Groton; Howard family members: Arthur (Susie), Artie, Donna (Terry), Tara (Rich), and Tommy (Cynthia). 

Charlie is predeceased by his ex-wife and best friend Cordie R. Howard, mother Rose Gannetta, sister Rosemarie Shull, and Howard family members “DeeDee,” Ralph, Laurie, Tom, and Barbara; and his beloved granddog Cheeba.

In typical Charlie fashion, he has requested no services be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. 

The family would like to recognize their gratitude for Courtney & Dr. Mbewe at Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice, the CCU doctors & nurses of Backus Hospital, and nurse Jenny of floor A2.