Charlene Dinardo Usalis

Charlene Dinardo Usalis (nee Dinardo), age 78, passed peacefully on February 22, 2026, surrounded by love and her two “girls.” Adored mother of Anne Murphy (nee Zrenda) and Katie McNair (nee Zrenda), dear mother-in-law of Kevin Murphy and Tom McNair, loving Grammy of Delaney McNair, Declan McNair, William Murphy, and Eleanor Murphy; dear sister of Marianne (James) Millican, Josephine (Herb) Dieter, and the late Kathleen Dinardo; kindred aunt to James (Madeleine Lenox) Millican and Kathy (Bill Bowers) Millican; and endeared great-aunt to Patrick Millican, Caroline Millican, and Grady Bowers.

It brings us immense comfort that she is now with her late husband, George Usalis, whom she loved dearly.

Charlene graduated from Shaker Heights High School and went on to complete her undergraduate degree in history at John Carroll University. Thereafter, and for fifteen years, Charlene worked as a Buyer for prominent retail department stores, including The Higbee Company. Charlene returned to John Carroll University and proudly earned a Master of Education. She was a dedicated elementary educator for twenty-five years in the East Cleveland School District. A decades-long member of the Junior League, Cleveland, Charlene spent many hours organizing and volunteering in support of her greater community.

Charlene was a dedicated mother who supported her daughters through life’s ups and downs, while teaching them the importance of showing grace and empathy.

Perhaps her best quality was her loyalty as a friend, which is shown through her lifelong friendships. She loved celebrating the holidays with family and friends and having lunches with her many cousins. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an active social life. She loved dancing and continuously played music in her home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in memory of Charlene to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.