Obituary of Michael Charles

Michael ?Mike? Charles, 59, passed away peacefully Monday, June 28, 2010 at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville with his family at his side. He was born March 3, 1951 in Amsterdam, the son of the late Francis and Eila Butler Charles. He is survived by his loving wife Laurie, who he married on October 25, 1997. Mike was employed as a machinist and supervisor at the Johnstown Knitting Mill for many years until the plant eventually closed. He continued his career by working as a direct support coordinator for Lexington Center, where he loved the people that he cared for. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He also had a passion for gardening, recently teaching his grandson, Austin, how to garden explaining -?First, you dig a hole hoe then you mix in cow poop...? His grandsons were the apple of his eye. He was an exceptional bowler and bowled for years in several local leagues. He made friends easily. ?Chink?, as he was affectionately known by many, enjoyed his ?rides around the horn? with the people he loved. Mike will be remembered as a sweet and compassionate man and will be sadly missed by many. In addition to his beloved wife, Laurie Gordon Charles, of Gloversville, Mike is survived by his children: LeeAnn Hennessey Jay of Gloversville; Katie Morris William of Vail, CO; Jeremy Gordon Laura of Hudson, FL; and Joshua Gordon Michelle of West Galway; two grandsons: Austin B. Gordon and William E. ?WEB? Morris; one brother, Richard Charles Teri of Johnstown; four sisters: Karen Longfritz of Johnstown, Kim Rupshaw of Johnstown, Kelly Blackwood Duane of Johnstown and Kathy Corapi Jim of Seminole, FL and his dear mother-in-law, Wilma Vedder. He is also survived by three brothers-in-law: Derek Gordon Deb, Robert Melita Judy and Gregory Melita; three sisters-in-law: Stacey Dotson Ron, Kim England Jim and Debbie Melita Ed; several nieces, nephews and cousins; a cat, Dusty and a turtle, Timothy. He was predeceased by his beloved dogs, Ginger and Caesar. Family and friends are invited and may call Thursday, July 1st from 4 to 7 p.m. at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, where a funeral service will be held Friday, July 2nd at 11 a.m. with Pastor Robert Seelow of New Covenant Community Church presiding. Interment will be at St. Patrick?s Cemetery in Johnstown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike?s memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.