Charles Joseph Pretto, 65, executive vice president and general counsel for Kobey’s Swap Meet in Midway, died on Jan. 15 after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia after being diagnosed in May 2023.
Pretto’s valiant battle against illness was a testament to his indomitable spirit and the love and support of his family. His life was a testament to knowledge, resilience, and a commitment to service.
“I’m a team player and a people person. I enjoy giving back to my local community. I am committed to free enterprise and its execution at Kobey’s Swap Meet,” said Pretto on LinkedIn.
A lifelong Rotarian, Pretto was been district governor for Rotary District 5340 from 2022-2023.
Born in Chicago, on June 3, 1958, Pretto was the eldest child of Anne Jean Alaimo and John Italo Pretto (1933-2015), and the loving husband of Kimberly Kobey Pretto. His life was one of exceptional accomplishments, from his academic pursuits to his dedicated service to the community.
The Pretto family, led by his father John, a dedicated radiologist practicing in the medical field for over 50 years in Nevada, and his mother Anne, a compassionate registered nurse, instilled in Charles the values of hard work and compassion. The family moved to Las Vegas where Charles was raised alongside siblings Mary, Robert, John Giovanni, and Joseph. Charles attended Bishop Gorman High School, graduating at the top of his class in 1976.
Charles moved to San Diego and continued his education at the University of San Diego, earning a bachelor’s degree in business in 1980, a master’s degree in business in 1982, and a JD law degree in 1988. He was president of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at USD.
In 1983, Charles married the love of his life, Kimberly Kobey Pretto, daughter of the late Monte Kobey, founder of Kobey’s Swap Meet. Their union was blessed with two beautiful children, Anthony David Pretto (born in 1988) and Elizabeth Susan Kerekes (born in 1990). Charles took great pride in his family, and his love and guidance will forever resonate in their hearts.
Charles joined the Kobey family business in 1980, playing a pivotal role in its success, not only at the swap meet but especially behind the scenes, which left an indelible mark on the local community. Charles led multiple efforts to not only expand the swap meet beyond its Sports Arena location but was also responsible for negotiating all its terms and contracts with the Sports Arena. Charles co-founded KAECA Outdoor Entertainment and San Diego Portable ATM alongside his uncle Albert Funk. Under his leadership and hard work, these ventures became reputable providers in the ATM service industry. San Diego Portable ATM, with over 40 ATMs strategically located around San Diego County, is now led by his devoted wife Kimberly and son Anthony.
Charles was also known as a man of many hobbies. He had been an avid model rocket enthusiast since childhood. He and his son Anthony were members of Tripoli San Diego. Together they attended many rocket launches all over the western United States. Charles also loved photography serving as a parent photographer on the Francis Parker football team in 2005-2006. Charles and Kimberly loved traveling whether it was to his family’s hometown in Castelgomberto, Italy, or celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary in Park City, Utah. They visited over 20 countries together in their 41 years of marriage.
His commitment to service extended beyond his professional life, as he served in leadership roles including past president of the National Flea Market Association, past president of San Diego Rotary Club 33, and past Rotary District Governor of District 5340. Charles’s impact on the community was immeasurable, with roles such as former chair of the Midway-Pacific Highway Planning Group, former Francis Parker School Board Member, and former San Diego Red Cross Board Member.
Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Kimberly Kobey Pretto, his loving children, Anthony Pretto (wife Mariangela “Cookie” Pretto) and Elizabeth Kerekes (husband Michael Kerekes), his cherished grandchildren Sofia and Isabella Pretto and Charlotte Kerekes, his mother, Anne Pretto, and his siblings – Mary Pretto, Robert Pretto (wife Lea Pretto), John Giovanni Pretto (wife Lee Ann Pretto) and Joseph Pretto.
His funeral service was held on Jan. 24 at Cypress View Mausoleum, Mortuary and Crematory. A celebration of Charles Pretto’s life followed at Liberty Station Conference Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Rotary International Annual Fund, San Diego Rotary (Club 33) Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. May Charles rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire and comfort those who knew and loved him.
Friends remember ‘Chuck’ Pretto
There has been an outpouring of love and respect from those who knew and loved him, especially from the Rotarian community, regarding the passing of Charles Joseph Pretto, 65. The executive vice president and general counsel for Kobey’s Swap Meet in Midway, Charles died Jan. 15 after courageously battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia since May 2023.
“The arena family lost another one close to us,” said Chris Biele, director of sales and marketing for the Sports Arena. “Charles ‘Chuck’ Pretto carried the torch at Kobey’s Swap Meet along with his wife Kimberly Kobey Pretto and family. He was also San Diego’s most famous Rotarian having served as president of the Rotary Club of San Diego. Chuck was a great friend to the arena, and we’re so glad we got to have him here for The Eagles in 2023. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and Kobey’s team. The arena flags will remain at half staff in honor of Chuck.”
“Kobey’s has been an institution in the community for decades, and Chuck was a staple in the Midway community,” said Cathy Kenton, chair of Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Group. “As a member of the Midway-Pacific Highway Planning Group, his business acumen and commitment to the community never wavered. He left us much too soon.”
“Chuck was a second father to me,” said Jordan Leigh Maharaj, executive director of San Diego Rotary Club. “For the past 10 years of knowing him, he has been there for me in my life’s toughest moments and celebrated some of my proudest accomplishments. For those that knew Chuck are better because of him. He lived a life serving others. His family became my family in the process, and I am so grateful to have known him.”
“I’d known him for 35 years and he was a great guy, very interested in business, and very supportive of free enterprise and I respected him,” said Rick Landis, president of the National Flea Market Association. “We relied on him a lot for legal advice and he was a wealth of information and really dedicated, always willing to help the trade association and always had great input.”
“Chuck was a true inspiration to all who knew him, living his life with the mantra of ‘service before self,’” said Michael Brunker, president of San Diego Rotary. “His dedication to Rotary International and the community was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all. As the 113th president of Club #33, I can attest to the impact Chuck had on me, our organization, and the world at-large. Despite his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and GVHD, Chuck’s superhero personality had us all believing he would overcome. His passing is a reminder to cherish every moment and live our lives with purpose, just as he did. We will continue to honor Chuck’s legacy and serve our communities with his same blessed spirit.”
