Charles "Chuck" Mistretta

Another memory of Chuck that shows what he truly cared about: Chuck rarely talked about the awards, accolades, or achievements from his career. Reflecting on him this past week, I recalled a time when he seemed especially proud of something from his past. He told me a story about a mission trip he went on with some of his family. As they were preparing to leave a poor village, one of the younger members of their group came back to the vehicle without any shoes. Chuck asked why he wasn’t wearing them. The child replied that he had left them with the people they were helping because they needed them more. He said he knew he could get another pair when he returned to the States. I had never seen Chuck recall a memory with as much pride as he did this one.

We are so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Sincere condolences to Darlene and the entire Mistretta family. I got to know Chuck after he was recruited by Dr. Cameron to join the medical physics section of Radiology, a few years before medical physics became an independent department in the UW Medical School. He was a very important role model.to other young faculty members. And his scientific achievements are truly outstanding. Chuck was also an outstanding department leader. During his time as vice chair for faculty, we experienced tremendous growth in the medical physics department, both in faculty members and in student numbers. The scientific, educational, and administrative atmosphere he created contributed greatly to this growth. Chuck is a great medical physics and medical imaging pioneer. We will really miss him.

Chuck exemplified how a physicist can profoundly advance medicine. The world has been better because of Chuck, and it will be different without him. Rest in peace, Chuck. He will be forever remembered as an exceptional human being and an exceptional scientist.

Years ago, I was fortunate and honored to join Chuck’s group as a visiting fellow. He was an extraordinary scientist, mentor and supportive leader with a great sense of humor. I am deeply saddened by this tremendous loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

My cousin was Fr Roger Nilles and he and Chuck had a very special friendship from the ‘70’s and beyond. I personally did not know him but saw he Darlene and Darlene’s mom in church at St Peter’s and heard many stories from both Fr Roger And Fr Jim McEnery about their times tigether. In addition my daughter Meghan Lubner a radiologist at UW was in awe of Chuck’s accomplishments. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I imagine Fr Roger welcoming him “home”