Charles "Al" Anthony Famoso, 83, of Leonardtown, MD passed away on February 25, 2010. Al was born to the late Luigi and Christine Famoso in Brooklyn, NY on Nov. 15, 1926.

He served in three branches of the military, Army, Navy, and retired from the Air Force. He served as a Morse Code Interceptor for the Army Security Agency during World War II in Guam and Okinawa. He worked as an electrical engineer for the Dept. of the Navy, retiring in 1983. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends and Scrabble with his family. He was an excellent pool player, winning many awards. He especially loved to embody the spirit of Santa, visiting schools and various community events. His authentic portrayal of the Jolly Old Elf entertained many family, friends and children of all ages for decades. He began "Santa on the Square" in Leonardtown by showing up in his specially made red suit and talking with children. Later, the mayor added a Mrs. Claus, and the event became a yearly tradition. His favorite activity was fishing. He believed he was allowed to live so long so that he could fish every spot available in St. Mary's County.

He was preceded in death by Teresa Cotter Famoso, the mother of his eleven children, 2 children who died at birth (John and Mary Ann), 2 sisters, 5 brothers and his step-son, Stephen "Te" Gordon.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mona Stephens Famoso; his children, Douglas (Tammy), Cathy Nelson (John), Teresa Saunders (Barry), Stephen (Karen), Cynthia, Charles Jr. (Stella), Jeannette (Lisa), Joeleen, Angelia Demers (Dave); and his step-children, Phil Gordon (Sheila), (Nancy Gordon), Marcia Lent (Leonard), Gwen Rodriguez (Tony). He is also survived by one brother, Alfonse Famoso of Westminster, MD; 30 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 2, 2010 where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday March 3, 2010. Both services will be held at First Saints Community Church, St. Paul's campus in Leonardtown. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Saints Community Church's Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen, P.O. Box 95, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.