SAD BREAKING NEWS – Charles Mistele Passes Away!!!

Charles Mistele and Miss America IX

We are getting reports from several reliable sources that our pal, and good friend Charles Mistele passed away last night. We are still not sure of what, but it was sudden. I had just spoken through email with Charles a couple days ago as we would every now and then. Charles is a true gentleman, and a HUGE part of the joy of our small community. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

He could pull off the hat thing for sure

He had told me he was going to miss Dora this year because he was having his eyes worked on. But was planning on some other events. Miss America IX is currently being worked on and getting ready for the season.

Charles, and Diane

Charles and his ..as he says, Diane, his “Trophy Wife” are very familiar to many and Lake Dora this year will not be the same without his morning wake the lake runs. UGH, I am crushed.

What a great guy

Charles and I received the Hagerty Hall Of Fame Award the same year and from that point on, always talked and laughed about the passion and his and my life. Stay tuned for more updates as we get them. I just spoke to Terry Fiest and we are planning some sort of moment at Lake Dora  for Charles.

Charles made a special trophy for the ACBS International. here in NY when we received the Hall of Fame award together

Charles uncovering Miss America IX at Smith Mountain Lake

He was always ready to share and gives rides

If you listen hard enough, you can hear Miss America IX waking up heaven right now! YOU WILL BE MISSED CHARLES!

19 replies
  1. Michael Maddox
    Michael Maddox says:

    What unfortunate news. I had the pleasure of meeting him at Lake Chatuge & learning about Miss America IX and his history with her. He was indeed a true gentleman.

  2. Randy & Ginger Clark
    Randy & Ginger Clark says:

    Wonderful gentleman kind and welcoming, our heartfelt condolences to Diane and his family.

  3. Rick Wrigglesworth
    Rick Wrigglesworth says:

    I was fortunate to meet Charles a number of times . He was a real gentleman and always ready to share the history of Miss America IX.
    I even got a ride in Miss America IX last year. The boat was his pride and joy. A real icon and historian who traveled around the country giving lots of people the chance to see and hear about Miss America IX.

  4. Mark Edmonson
    Mark Edmonson says:

    I spent many summers with Harold Mistele, Charles father, in St. Clair, MI working on his collection of boats. Charles was always great to talk to. A true gentleman, sad news.

  5. George Duffy
    George Duffy says:

    When I went looking for folks to sign their name to our charter, Chuck and Harold readily agreed, along with most of the Chris Craft Boat Club members of Michigan. Chuck was always a gentleman and a class act. Now his dad? Deliciously crazy!

  6. Terry Fiest
    Terry Fiest says:

    My wife Bobbie and I were devastated to get the sad news. We have known Chuck and Diane for many years and have attended many events together. I am one of the few who drove the Boat on many different occasions. My most memorable was wearing the vintage driving suits and re-living the moment the boat set the world speed record. Chuck and Gar are together!!

  7. tom
    tom says:

    So sad.I met Charles at Lake Hopatcong two years ago when he had Miss America IX there.Kind man.Always a crowd around him and the boat,but still took the time to talk to a stranger like myself,and answer questions that he’s probably been asked a thousand times over the years.

  8. Michael G. Zadigian
    Michael G. Zadigian says:

    Chuck and I met at his dad’s funeral. Over the years we became good friends. When he wanted to redo the exhaust on IX I suggested what to do to save money and it worked. I even got him “A”” plan papers for his F350. Signed photos from Chuck will be cherished even more.Such a gentleman. Will be missed greatly. Condolences to Diane and family. Ziggy

  9. Paul Merryman, K&W CoChairman, Retired
    Paul Merryman, K&W CoChairman, Retired says:

    Very sad news. Chuck and Miss America IX were the feature attraction at the Keels and Wheels Concours a few years ago. He will truly be missed by the classic boating community. Linda and I send our sincere condolences to Diane and the entire family.

  10. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P )
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P ) says:

    Such sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Diane, and to the entire Mistele family.

  11. Bryan Leazenby, the Kentucky Wonder
    Bryan Leazenby, the Kentucky Wonder says:

    Anne and I met Charles and Diane at our very first classic boat show, held at Lake Chatuge. We had our young niece and nephew with us, and the four of them became fast friends over that weekend in 2013. “Captain America” they called him, and what an appropriate name. Lady Diane and Captain America always ask about the children and their progress as they grow up. What caring people they are.
    We had dinner with Charles and Diane in October, and what a delight. So much rich history they have both seen, and then shared with the rest of us. Not only treasures to the classic boating world, but representatives of kindness and civility to all.
    Our prayers are with Diane and her family. May we all remember to hold our friends and family close as often as possible. You never know what the future holds, so make the most of the present with the ones for whom you care.

  12. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    I never met Charles, but after reading all of theses comments, I really wish I would have had the privilege to have known him. RIP Charles.

  13. Brittany Mistele Tarleton
    Brittany Mistele Tarleton says:

    Thank you for the nice article on dad. He passed away from a heart attack late Sunday night. As you can imagine mom, Michelle, Holly and I are devastated. He was full of life and always on the move. He was the best father a girl could ask for and he was an amazing husband to my mother! He loved his boating family. We appreciate your thoughtful comments. Funeral services are Friday at 11:30 at Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, South Carolina.
    Brittany Tarleton, youngest daughter

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