Charles Albert Lehman III

Charles Albert Lehman, III, 84, of Taylors, South Carolina, beloved husband of the late Helen Marie Martin Lehman, passed away peacefully at his home on November 15, 2025.
A native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Dr. Charles Albert Lehman, II and Elizabeth Parsons Lehman.
Charles is survived by his daughter, Sonya G. Esposito (Mark) of Sackets Harbor, New York; his son, Thomas Charles Lehman (Elyda) of Watertown, New York; two sisters, Judy Lokey of Montrose, Colorado and Anne Lysaght of Wellesley, Massachusetts; and his significant other, Sidonna Daniels of Taylors, South Carolina. He was predeceased by his sister, Beth Zabloski.
Our father loved to share stories of his youth. He was deeply connected to his sisters, and Anne fondly recalled that they "were great friends growing up and were one another's protectors."
Charles earned his master's degree from Lycoming College, graduating Magna Cum Laude-an accomplishment he carried with immense pride. On June 1, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, our beloved mother, Helen. Shortly afterward, they moved to Carthage, New York, where he began his long and meaningful career teaching English.
He became known throughout the community as an extraordinary 8th grade teacher-one whose influence stretched far beyond the classroom. Former students often shared stories of how he guided, encouraged, and believed in them. Even recently, a former student reached out simply to thank him for the impact he made. It is impossible to count how many people name him as their favorite teacher. His presence in the classroom was truly a gift. He retired in 1996.
In 1967, Charles and several partners founded what would become the well-known Jreck Subs. He was recently interviewed about its humble beginnings: a modest sub shop run out of a school bus on what was then Camp Drum. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to own the Levis Hotel and operate a used car lot on West End Avenue in West Carthage.
One of his greatest passions was restoring antique cars. He took special pride in his '40 Ford Coupe and his '57 Chevy. Many hours were spent in the garage of his Carthage home, meticulously rebuilding classic car bodies while friends came and went through his ever-open door to talk, laugh, and admire his latest project.
After our mother's passing from cancer, Charles dedicated himself to service. He volunteered extensively with Hospice and later with the Volunteer Transportation Center, where he rarely missed a day. In 2003, he was honored with The Giving Award for his outstanding volunteerism-an acknowledgment of the compassion he showed so freely.
In early 2017, he reconnected with an old friend, Sidonna. Their friendship blossomed into a cherished partnership, and Charles moved to Taylors, South Carolina to share his life with her.
A Celebration of Charles' Life will be held Sunday, November 23rd from 1 PM to 4 PM at The Carthage American Legion Post 789, 415 West St., Carthage, NY 13619.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-an organization close to Charles' heart and one he spoke of often.
Online condolences may be left at www.thewoodmortuary.com.