In memory of Charles R. Fiskio, the Charlie Fiskio Fund was established by family members earlier this year and is dedicated to helping Walsh Intermediate School students pursue a specific passion including, but not limited to, a hobby, art form, or sports activity. 

BRANFORD, CT October 27, 2025 – In April 2025, the family of Charles R. Fiskio established a fund with the Branford Community Foundation (BCF) following the untimely passing of Charlie—beloved son, brother, and husband. Charles Robert “Charlie” Fiskio passed away in March due to complications of Polycythemia Vera, a disease he was diagnosed with at just 19 years old and bravely navigated with the love and support of family and friends. 

“Charlie was a talented athlete,” said Charlie’s mother, Sue Fiskio. “He excelled at any sport he played. He especially loved snowboarding and golf. He enjoyed reading, playing guitar, and traveling. But my boy’s most significant gift was his kindness and the ability to see inside a person. Our family knew this about him. After he passed, a steady stream of people relayed their personal stories of how he lifted them up. He encouraged those who felt alone, awkward, and afraid. They found their gifts and purpose in the safety of his gentle acceptance.” 

“Charlie was a giver,” said his father, Bob Fiskio. “He volunteered to ‘give’ through Habitat for Humanity and Camp Totoket and simply had a thoughtful, kind, and generous way about him.” That giving nature is what inspired Charlie’s family to create a fund in his memory. “The idea of creating a fund in Charlie’s name was meant to continue those acts of kindness and generosity for kids,” said Bob. 

The Charlie Fiskio Fund, in honor of Charlie’s passions and generous spirit, will support two or more students annually at Branford’s Francis Walsh Intermediate School in pursuing a personal interest—whether artistic, academic, athletic, or through a camp or workshop experience. The recipients should demonstrate financial need and be recommended by the school’s Guidance Office or other administrator who can identify the appropriate student(s) for the award. 

As his family recounted, Charlie was fortunate enough to have been supported by many individuals who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue his passions in sports, music, and business, which brought him much joy and sense of purpose and belonging. The Charlie Fiskio Fund is intended to continue these acts of encouragement and giving, offering similar opportunities to others who, with a little help, could embrace their own passions and have dreams as big as Charlie’s. 

“We are deeply honored to hold the Charlie Fiskio Fund,” said BCF Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “Charlie’s generous spirit will live on through scholarships that help deserving students who simply need a little extra support to pursue their interests.” 

“When we were first discussing Charlie’s fund someone said, ‘how about the Middle School?’ There was an immediate agreement,” said Bob. “Our feeling was that young folks at that age are sort of entering a challenging phase. It may be the first time they give serious thought to ‘Where do I fit in?’ It can be a wonderfully confusing and somewhat mysterious time of growth in their lives; academically, physically, and socially. This was certainly true in Charlie’s own journey. We were fortunate to be able to give him the encouragement he needed to explore his talents and follow his passions. It’s our hope that this scholarship can offer that same encouragement to other young people—just enough support to help them move forward with confidence and discover the potential within themselves.” 

With the creation of the Charlie Fiskio Fund underway, the next—and perhaps most important step—was to raise the money necessary to ensure that scholarships could be given to children who needed that support as soon as possible, and for as long as possible. 

The 1st Annual Charlie Fiskio Golf Tournament took place on August 3rd, 2025, at Lyman Orchard Golf Course in Middlefield, CT. 144 golfers—relatives, friends, business partners, and past teachers and coaches—participated in the tournament. Thanks to those players, as well as the generous sponsors, the tournament raised almost $14,000 that went directly to Charlie’s fund. 

“This tournament was a true labor of love, woven together by the hearts of those who knew and cherished Charlie,” said his sister, Emily Fiskio. “From his beloved wife, Savannah — who poured her soul into making this day a success — to Charlie’s closest friends, who gave of themselves with unwavering devotion, every detail reflected the spirit of the man we all miss so deeply. Their tireless efforts were a living tribute to the way Charlie lived: with passion, loyalty, and an open heart. My parents, my sisters Ellie and Elizabeth, and I are committed to carrying this tradition forward — to honor Charlie’s memory and to give back to the community, just as he always did.” 

For those wanting to support the tournament in the future, golfers can join friends and family of Charlie’s on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Lyman Orchards Golf Course for the 2nd Annual Charlie Fiskio Golf Tournament. For updates and more information on the tournament, visit @charliefiskiogolftournament on Instagram or email charliefiskiogolftournament@gmail.com. 

“In our home golf transcended its role as a mere pastime, becoming an integral component of our love story and wedding vows,” said Charlie’s wife, Savannah (Calamita) Fiskio. “I am dedicated to growing and improving this golf tournament each year as this reflects Charlie’s generosity, kindness, and dedication to helping others.” 

Bob added that, “while our family poured the foundation for the success of both the tournament and the fund, what has been achieved so far is a true reflection of the care and generosity of our community, friends, and loved ones. There has been such an outpouring of far-reaching support—from those who donated at the time the fund was established, to everyone that sponsored, played, or otherwise participated in the tournament—and our family wants to express our deep appreciation for everyone who has gone above and beyond to remember and celebrate Charlie in this way.”   

To learn more or to make a contribution to the Charlie Fiskio Fund, visit branfordcommunityfoundation.org/fund/charlie-fiskio-fund.

Attendees at the 1st Annual Charlie Fiskio Golf Tournament