Charles A. Kline

Charles Ambrose Kline
Elmira, New York
Passed away on November 21, 2024 at the age of 95. Chuck was a devoted husband to his wife Doris, until she died in 2019. Since this time he believed and patiently waited until the time he could be reunited with her. He continued to be a father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to many. He is survived by his children, Gail (Frank) Calkins, Phyllis(David) Barry, Mike (Sheri) Kline; his 7 grandchildren; Eric (Angie) Calkins, Brandon Calkins, (Angel Welty), Heather ((Zeke) Mansfield), Summer Matejka, Courtney Lee Kline (Seth Howard), Micheal S. (Yesenia) and Kyle Kline; 8 Great grandchildren Laura Mansfield, Jack Flansburg, Evan Calkins, Cameron Calkins, (Justin Reid, Step), Michael V. Kline, Myles Kline and Elizabeth Howard. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, and especially thought the world of Susan and John Slovak, Dave Blauvelt, and Dan Lindsay.
Chuck was born to Mary M. Bell Kline and Stewart Ambrose Kline on March 09, 1929 in Belltown, Pa. He is survived by his siblings, Peg Young and Ronald Kline. As children they lived in various places. He graduated from Edison High School. When he met Doris, he knew that she was the one who made him whole, and the rest is history. As a child he attended Elmwood Baptist Church in Elmira Heights, NY and to his last day he as been the longest standing member.
He worked in the NYS Dept. of Corrections. He started out in Attica and retired after 35 years from the Elmira Correctional Facility as Captain Kline. Chuck enjoyed hunting. This was a time of camaraderie with the guys, family and friends. You would find him out there traipsing through the woods on opening day, Thanksgiving day and more. He could butcher, and the family would gather to help wrap the meat he'd cut: deer, cows, and pigs. His Hot Sausage was epic!
Chuck was a huge sports fan. He coached Little League Baseball in his younger years. He'd always take interest in baseball and football of all levels. He kept busy keeping track of all of them, but he always cheered on the Mets and Buffalo Bills. Soon after he retired, they began a life of travel adventures in their R.V. Joy of life expanded as they put the miles on, and enjoyed seeing new places, meeting new friends and visiting friends and family. Besides spending many winters in Florida, travel often included trips to Branson Missouri and Nashville to follow his love of county music and to attend concerts.
He especially loved keeping up with his grandchildren. He always wanted to know what and how they were doing. He was a proud Grandpa. He would especially chuckle when the Little's would call him, Grandpa Chuckles. Chuck also felt special close bonds to friends and extended family who met so much to him. After he moved into Woodbrook Assisted Living, in 2019 he made new strong connections with many residents who meant lot to him. He often said, "If you can't live alone anymore, this (Woodbrook) is the next best place to call home".
Chuck will be remembered for his honest, truthful, heartfelt communication skills. He didn't shy away from expressing his feelings and kept the lines of communication open, despite many conversations being short and quick. For example, he'd always call, but as soon as he found out or said what he wanted, he'd say, "ok, see you later, bye". He also wanted to make sure you got home safe, and he'd say, "call, let it ring a few times and hang up" in the old days to communicate a safe arrival. If you didn't let him know you made it home safe, he just might call the police to do a wellness check!
Charles prearranged his end of life plan and funeral arrangements. The family will welcome your thoughts and prayers at this time but services will be held privately. There will be a private Graveside Service for family and close friends at a date to be determined at Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads, NY. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Horseheads Little League, PO Box 295, Horseheads, NY 14845 in his memory. Family and friends, may share meaningful memories; funny, heartfelt, inspiring, that depict Chuck's personality or character via Chuck's Book of Memories at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com