Dr. Charles R. "Chuck" Friend

Dr. Charles R. "Chuck" Friend

Big Flats/Horseheads, New York

Dr. Charles R. "Chuck" Friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born January 11, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late David Henry Friend and Johnnye Bernice Kendrick Friend. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Caron Neild.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Muriel L. Friend, and his children: Lori Friend of Big Flats, NY; Heather (David) Odahowski of Orlando, FL; Charley (Lori) Friend of Garden Ridge, TX; John Friend of Orlando, FL; Patricia (Paul) Lee of Port Orchard, WA; and Chris (Renée) Friend of Big Flats, NY. He is also survived by 16 cherished grandchildren-Sean, Rachel, Shannon, Chad, Julianne, Peter, Daniel, Kirstie, John Patrick, Chris, Michael, Timothy, Brianna, Joshua, Ashley, and Elijah-eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Raised in Detroit, Chuck graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Wayne State University in 1952, where he was a member of ROTC. He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1956. After completing his internship at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, he finished his general surgery and urology residency at Wayne County General Hospital in Eloise.

Chuck proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the 7505th Division. Stationed in Burderop Park, England from 1961 to 1964 and in Wiesbaden, Germany from 1964 to 1966, he served as Chief of Urology. During his service, he notably operated on Queen Fatima el-Sharif, wife of King Idris of Libya, in 1963. He left active duty with the rank of captain.

Following his military service, Chuck began practicing urology at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He later moved to Elmira, New York, where he established a private practice with Dr. Henry Marshall. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1968 and a member of the American Urological Association, he was also a consultant for the Miles Institute Physician Patient Communications. After retiring from private practice, he continued caring for veterans at the Bath VA for 16 years.

A dedicated innovator in his field, Chuck was a leading researcher at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira. He introduced lithotripsy to the region and, in 1985, brought advanced Carl Storz fiber-optic urological equipment to evaluate the renal pelvis and reduce the need for radiologic procedures. In 1991, he helped establish the Southern Tier Laser Center at Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital. He was deeply involved in his community, serving with the Big Flats Rotary Club, Tanglewood Nature Center, Big Flats American Legion, and Big Flats Library Advocates. Chuck and Muriel were honored with the YMCA of Elmira and Chemung County Service Award in 1974. He also served as President of both the Chemung County Board of Health and the Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and was a founder of the Elmira River Rats swim team (now the Corning River Rats).

In his leisure time, Chuck enjoyed traveling the world with Muriel and pursuing many interests, including camping, music, skiing, astronomy, history, gardening, tennis, golf, theater and the arts, photography, oil painting, drawing, sailing, and other aquatic activities. Above all, he treasured time with his family. He was known as a patient listener and a gifted teacher, offering wisdom and encouragement to friends and loved ones alike.

Family and friends are invited to call at Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St., Horseheads, NY (Route 13), on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service immediately following. Interment will take place at Bath National Cemetery in Bath, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chuck's memory to Tanglewood Nature Center, CareFirst Hospice, or Bethany Manor.