Charles R. Caniglia

Charles R. Caniglia

August 23, 1945 – February 22, 2025

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Helen Caniglia. He is survived by his wife, Chris Caniglia; three children: Jenna Caniglia-Graves (Jim), Nick Caniglia (Zsofia), and Rick Caniglia; two grandchildren. JJ Graves and Kaia Caniglia, step-grandchild, Naila Okai. Chuck is also survived by his brothers, Ron and Bob Caniglia; mother-in-law, Terry Svacina; numerous relatives and friends.

Chuck is a graduate of Christ the King Grade School, Creighton Prep High School, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After serving in the National Guard, he worked for the city of Omaha in the early 70s and helped design the early version of the Gene Leahy Mall. He later went on to run the Original Caniglia’s Pizzaria and Steak House with his father, Ross, and brothers, Ron and Bob. Chuck was extremely proud of his Italian heritage.  He and his brothers supported the Santa Lucia Festival and the Sons of Italy in Omaha and even went back to their roots visiting Carlentini in Sicily, Italy.  He and his brothers were also the creators of the Original Caniglia’s Sweet Sicilian salad dressing and the original founders of C. Clair’s Chip Cookies.

Chuck was a devout Catholic and served with the Knights of Columbus for many years. He was always very generous with his time, especially evident in the way he helped his mother-in-law with her finances and taxes as she got older.

He loved family and friends.  He loved sports. And anywhere those two combined he was probably at his happiest: pitching tennis balls to batters in the backyard (not caring in the least what they ricocheted off of), coaching his boys’ soccer from the sidelines (appreciated or not), a father and sons’ trip to Florida to see MLB spring training, dozing through a baseball game on TV in the family room on a lazy afternoon, golf with anyone who wanted to play (knowing they would probably lose). He was a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Creighton Bluejays, attending many games over the years. He also loved playing the games Pitch and Bocce anytime someone got a game going.

In retirement, Chuck delighted in his new role as Nanu, loved having more time to golf, and enjoyed traveling to St. Petersburg, Florida, every winter with his cherished wife of 55 years, Chris, and many dear friends.

Chuck worked hard in everything he did.  He provided a wonderful life for his wife and kids filled with many treasured memories. Through his example, we learned the importance of family, faith, heritage, and the happiness to be found in pursuing our passions. He fought illness bravely and without complaint.  Chuck was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and Nanu.  He will be dearly missed by all of us.

VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 4pm at the West Center Chapel, with VISITATION from 2pm to 4pm.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, March 3rd at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Caniglia Family Scholarship at Creighton Prep, and Sons and Daughters of Italy.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com