Paul J. Charles

PAUL J. CHARLES
NEWFIELD - Paul James Charles, age 54, of Newfield, NY, passed away suddenly Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at his home. Born February 12, 1953 in Ithaca, he was the son of the late Kenneth H. and Jane Pearl Charles. A 1971 graduate of Ithaca High School, Paul was proud of having coordinated two "Walks Against Hunger" while still a high school student.
Following his graduation from the State University at Albany, Paul worked with troubled youth in Virginia, leading them on wilderness camping and survival expeditions. In 1985 he returned to Ithaca to care for his mother during her terminal illness, and subsequently cared for his father during the last years of his life. While in Ithaca, Paul served as a volunteer with Loaves and Fishes. A talented cook, he began a career in food service, in the course of which he attended the Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. After several years in North Carolina, Paul moved back to the Ithaca area earlier this year, fulfilling his wish to "come home." Paul expressed his creativity through photography and poetry. His Christian beliefs were central to his life.
Paul is survived by his brother, Mark Charles of Ann Arbor, Michigan; an aunt, Emily Cooley of Canandaigua; and several cousins. Special thanks to Joel Rabinowitz, the residents and staff of Newfield Garden Apartments, and Mrs. Hollister and members of the First Baptist Church for their kindness to Paul.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Ithaca. Friends may also pay their respects at the church on Monday, December 17, from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County, or to the First Baptist Church of Ithaca.