Charles "Chuck" Platt

Charles “Chuck” Malcom Platt died peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Chuck was born in Batavia, NY on March 26, 1937 to Mary (Walsh) Platt and Hugh Malcom Platt. Chuck graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications in 1959. In 1961, Chuck earned a Master of Science in Television-Radio, also from Syracuse University.

Chuck spent much of his life working in broadcasting in a variety of roles. As a child, Chuck used wires and a small transmitter so he could broadcast classical music into his neighbor’s house as she painted. He began his radio broadcasting career as a teenager, working at WBTA in Batavia, NY. In addition to on-the-air broadcasting, Chuck hosted record hops, broadcasting into a parking lot outside the studio where young people gathered to listen and dance. Even after Chuck’s career expanded to Rochester, NY, Chuck continued to work for WBTA by doing play-by-play announcing for local high school football and basketball games.

In 1962, Chuck was offered a position at the WHAM radio station, in Rochester, NY. His main beat was city, county, state and, occasionally, national politics. In 1973, Chuck moved to television and worked at WOKR, Channel 13 (an ABC affiliate) and again covered politics.

Chuck made one more career move in 1979 when he took a position as an Associate Professor of Communications at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY. He taught radio and TV broadcasting, along with speech communication. Chuck also did the legal work to get a license from the FCC to put the college radio station on an FM frequency. Chuck truly loved the field of broadcasting and the work he did at the college.

Chuck is survived by his loving family. He and his wife, Mary, celebrated 50 years of marriage on December 28, 2024. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Katie Trombley, her husband, Dan, treasured grandchildren, Allie and Jacob, and holds eternal bonds with granddaughter Faith Christine, who passed before him. Chuck is also survived by his only sibling, Chet Platt, sister-in-law, Sue, and their daughter Sarah Stockton, husband, Justin and two children, Aidan and Zachery. Additionally, he is survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews on Mary’s side of the family.

A heartfelt thank you to the many people who generously supported Chuck and his family during his last years: his extended family, staff at Nelson Gables, Dr. Dahlseng and his staff, Knute Nelson Hospice, the staff and drivers of Rainbow Rider, and members of the Friday noon AA group.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Celebration of Life will also be lived streamed through the Anderson Funeral Home website. Chuck hated dressing up with a tie and he would want everyone to wear casual clothes!

In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army.