Charles "Charlie" Leo Belsom, P.E.'s Obituary
Charles Leo Belsom, P.E. (Charlie) of Covington, LA and formerly of Kenner, LA, was born March 6, 1952 and returned home to the Lord on August 19, 2024 surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis and never complained. He is survived by his loving wife, Alison Maratea Belsom, his children, his pride and joy: Richelle Hebert (Chuck), Brent Charles Belsom (Courtney), and Kimberly Colette Belsom and his grandchildren, whom he adored, Alyssa Christine Hebert, Blake Charles Hebert, and Bennett Charles Belsom. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Flora (Betty) Belsom and in-laws Frank and Lil Maratea. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Belsom (Lorraine); sister, Mary Treadway (Jules); brother-in-law Merrill Maratea (Pam), cousins, nieces, and nephews.
“The happiest days of my life are when I sit around a table and eat food, break bread, and drink wine with my family. Two thousand years ago a man did that and changed the dynamics of the world.” Charlie’s life was devoted to his faith and his family. He cherished the days spent with his loved ones the most. You would find him piddling around his house or son’s businesses working on small projects. He loved designing and building things. Charlie enjoyed being close to water and looked forward to beach trips with his family.
Charlie attended St. Dominic through 6th grade then Holy Cross High School, where he graduated in 1970. In 1970, Charlie joined the Air Force Reserves as an air cargo specialist (926th TAG, Belle Chasse) until 1976. He graduated from UNO with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1976, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He also received a Master of Engineering degree from Tulane University and his Professional Engineering (P.E.) license in 1981.
Charlie was a professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) for over 45 years. He was employed with the Army Corps of Engineers, Southport Inc as Vice President of Engineering, Gulf Island Fabrication, EDG, and Waskey. While working at the Army Corps of Engineers, he was involved with the design of The Old River Auxiliary Control Structure, in Simmesport, LA. During his employment with Southport and Gulf Island Fabrication, he coordinated the design and fabrication of over 100 liftable offshore buildings, mostly living quarters. He was a member of Harvey Canal Industrial Association (HCIA) and chair of the infrastructure committee for several years. Charlie helped with the installation of a control structure in the Harvey Canal, which is the largest pump station in America. Prior to retirement, he became involved with trenches and troughs for LNG projects with Waskey.
He was an active parishioner of St. Philip Neri Church in Metairie, LA for over 37 years prior to becoming a parishioner of St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington, LA.
Family and friends are invited to a Catholic mass on Wednesday, August 28, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington, LA at 12pm with visitation beginning at 10am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery in Saint Benedict, LA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Charlie may be made to St Louis Cathedral Restoration Fund c/o Father Pat Williams or to a charity of your choice.
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