Port Washington Mourns 'Dear Friend To Community, Go-To Guy' At Ace

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Charles "Charlie" Mosiejewski, described as a "dear friend" to the Port Washington community by those who knew him, died of bladder cancer last week. Now neighbors, friends and those who remember him as a friendly, helpful fixture at Port's Ace Hardware are rallying around his family members.

Meghan Nevins Brown and Jason Ruggiero started a GoFundMe campaign in October after Mosiejewski was diagnosed with cancer. To date, almost $7,000 has been donated, originally to help him offset medical costs, but now to help his mother.

Nevins Brown told Patch that her late friend was the breadwinner for his family.

"His mother is in poor health and he was her world."

Nevins Brown, a singer who created the Port Jazz Project, told Patch that Mosiejewski "was just an awesome friend."

In October, Nevins Brown and Ruggiero wrote that they wanted to support Mosiejewski after all he had done for the two local musicians, and the Port Washington community in general.

"Charlie is a dear friend to the community. He has always been one to show up to support every cause, every fundraiser, supporting musicians, events, and activities around Port and the surrounding areas. Charlie consistently shows up hours ahead of start time to help Jason set up for Karaoke, to ensure that it runs smoothly and that everyone has a fantastic time."

"With Meghan, during cancer treatment and, most recently, her heart attack, he made sure that she had assistance loading and unloading her equipment to perform with her band and that her children were well looked after."

On social media, dozens of Port Washington residents remembered Mosiejewksi as a kind, helpful presence at the hardware store.

"Let's give Charlie what he has freely given us over the years, support," Nevins Brown and Ruggiero wrote.

"We know firsthand what a fantastic community Port Washington and beyond can be. Charlie has always been there for us — let's now be there for him."