Charles Lathrop Lain Sr.

Venice, FL- Charles Lathrop Lain Sr. age 94, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice, FL. Born on February 14, 1931 in Middletown, NY, Charles lived a long, full, purpose-driven life marked by faith, service and unwavering dedication to those he loved. One of nine brothers and one sister, he grew up on the family dairy farm in Westtown, NY. He graduated from Middletown High School in Middletown, NY in 1949, followed by his 1953 graduation from Tusculum College in Greenville, TN, with a degree in Economics and Business Administration. While in college he was recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.
A proud veteran of the United States Army as a sergeant in the Korean War, Charles carried his belief in God, country and community in every chapter of his life. After his military service he spent the next 10 years with the Weyerhaeuser Timber and Lumber Company of Tacoma, Washington in Marketing and Sales. During this time he met and married his wife of 33 years Ruth Clark, who he referred to as his perfect partner. Together they began their family which became his greatest pride.
Charles left Weyerhaeuser to help his brother Alden Lain establish Lain Sod Farm. His love of farming never left him and two years later he decided to branch out on his own, establishing Pine Island Turf Nursery with 15 acres of rented ground. He grew his farm into a very successful business, with unwavering support from his wife Ruth, to include 450 acres. At age 60 he lost his beloved wife Ruth. After 30 years of growing his farm, he sold the business to his son Charles Lathrop Lain Jr. and began traveling with his second wife Dodi, eventually settling down in a community dear to his heart in Venice, FL called Japanese Gardens.
Over the years Charles received numerous commendations for his contributions to his community. He was an active member of the Sussex First Presbyterian Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Elder, and Deacon. He was a Board Member of the Sussex Wallkill Hospital, served on the Sussex-Wantage Board of Education for 2 years and then on the High Point High School Board for 14 years, 3 years as President. In addition, he served on the National Bank of Sussex County as Director and past President.
Charles was also active in the farming community at local, state and national levels. He was a past member and President of Orange County, NY Agriculture Education Society, Treasurer of Orange County Farm Bureau, and past Trustee of NY State Turf Growers. He was a member of the Tri County Nursery Association and Chairman of the NY/NJ Upper Wallkill River Flood Control Project. Furthermore, Charles served as a Director and member of the Sussex/Warren Soil Conservation Board. In the state of NJ, he was a member and past Chairman of the Cook College Board of Agriculture and a member of the NJ Cultivated Sod Growers. He was a past member of the NJ Board of Agriculture, a Trustee of Rutgers University and a member of the Agriculture and Small Business Advisory Board of the 2nd Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Nationally he served as a member and past President of the American Sod Producers Association. He always felt community involvement was very important and he lived by that.
Throughout his life Charles received many citations and awards including Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and High Point Republican Club Man of the Year. He also received special recognitions from Sussex County, NJ and Orange County, NY Boards of Agriculture for his service, as well as a NJ Citation for Distinguished Service to Agriculture.
Charles was predeceased by his parents Milton Arthur Lain and Sara Taylor Lain, a sister Martha, brothers Louie, Frank, Richard, Alden, David, Arthur, and Lester. He also lost his first wife Ruth Clark Lain after 33 years of marriage and his grandson Joshua Rowan.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dolores Lain from Venice, FL, daughter Christine Sarno and her husband Chuck from Wantage, NJ, son Chip Lain and his wife Shari from Westtown, NY, daughter Cindy Lain from Reno, NV, and daughter Candy Lain from Saratoga Springs, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses Skyler Sarno, Kelsey (Brandon) Gurda, Clarinda (Johnny) Illanovsky, Nikki (Reed) Mattos, Brett (Jess) Rowan, Samantha Petruzzo, Jenna Rowan, and Anthony Petruzzo. Additionally, Charles was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Brayden, Ethan, Jace, Rylie, Fallon, and Gia. He is also survived by his youngest brother Terry Lain and his wife Arlene.
Above all, Charles was devoted to family. He and his brothers started the Lain Reunion back in 1985 at their original homestead and farm in Westtown, NY. The reunions continue every five years with an attendance of up to 350 Lain relatives. He will be remembered at future reunions for his stories, kind words, and big hugs. His greatest joy came from time spent with those he cherished - sharing stories, laughter, and the values he hoped to pass on.
Visitation is from 3:00pm to 7:00 pm at the Ferguson Funeral Home, 27 Third Street, Sussex, NJ on Friday December 19, 2025. The funeral will take place at The First Presbyterian Church in Sussex, NJ on Saturday December 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM with burial to follow immediately after at Clove Cemetery.
Memorial donations in memory of Charles Lain may be made to The First Presbyterian Church 21 Unionville Ave. Sussex NJ. The church always held a special place in his heart. His booming voice singing "How Great Thou Art" is still and always will be remembered in the church.
Charlie leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and love. His example will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.