Charles F. Baumgardner Sr.

Charles F. Baumgardner Sr. Port Jervis, NY Mr. Charles F. Baumgardner Sr., a lifelong resident of the area, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He was 89 years old. Charles was born on February 16, 1936, in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Francis W. and Viola T. Edwards Baumgardner. He was the devoted husband of Kathryn Baumgardner, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, and a life built on love, commitment, and family. A proud veteran and dedicated community servant, Charles lived a life marked by integrity, service, and leadership. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1954 to 1958 as a Paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division in Germany. One of the greatest honors of his life was placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on October 15, 2022. Charles was a Life Member of the Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post No. 161 in Port Jervis and the American Legion of Campbell, NY, where he also served in the Color Guard. His commitment to public safety and civic duty was exemplified by his many decades with the Port Jervis Fire Department, which he joined in 1952 as a member of Hose Co. No. 4. He served as Assistant Fire Chief from 1968 to 1976 and as Fire Chief from 1976 to 1980. He later served as an Orange County Fire Coordinator for 12 years. Charles was also a founding member of the Port Jervis Diving Squad-one of the first of its kind in Orange County. Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Baumgardner of Yulan, NY; his children, Charles (Chuck) Baumgardner Jr. and his wife Gina of Glen Spey, NY, Daniel Baumgardner and his wife Jacki of Yulan, NY, and Theresa Baumgardner of Kissimmee, FL; four cherished grandchildren, Christopher Baumgardner, Charles F. Baumgardner, Danielle Baumgardner, and Eric Baumgardner; and two great-grandchildren, Eli and Olivia Baumgardner. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, James and Thomas, and three sisters, Doris, Eleanor, and Patty. Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, Inc., 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Matamoras, PA. In honor of Charles's life of service, memorial contributions may be made to a veteran's organization of your choice. Arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home. For additional information, directions, or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com.