Charles L. Tryon

LATHAM - Charles Leonard Tryon, age 78, passed away, surrounded by family and friends, on June 3, 2024, at Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, N.Y., after a brief but rapid illness.
Charles, aka "Charlie" or "Uncle Chuck", a lifelong resident of Latham, was born in Troy, N.Y. on August 18, 1945. He was the adopted son of the late Myron B. and Anna M. (Sornberger) Tryon, of Latham. He was the biological son of the late Otis H. Richards Sr., of Arnett, Okla., and Arlington, Texas, and the late Erna N. (Agan) Storm Brenenstuhl Whitman, of Troy, N.Y.
As a teenager, Charlie was highly interested in learning how to scuba dive, and joined the "Trojan Trident SCUBA Diving Club" in the Troy Y.M.C.A. during the early 1960's. Later, he went on to become a Y.M.C.A. Underwater Activities Program Scuba Instructor, and then was certified by the WORLD UNDERWATER FEDERATION with an International Diving Instructor Certificate, 3 Stars (third degree). He utilized his certifications to train countless U.S. Navy Sailors and N.Y. State Law Enforcement.
Charlie was a 1964 graduate of Shaker High School, in Latham, and a 1968 graduate of the Hudson Valley Community College, in Troy, where he earned an Associate of Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering.
In 1968, he enlisted in The U.S. Navy and served as an aerial, combat and accident investigation photographer. During his tenure, he actively participated in a number of operations from December 1968 through June 1969, as part of West Pac, while deployed to the D.M.Z. in Vietnamese waters, aboard the U.S.S. Newport News CA-148, aka "Thunder" and "Gray Ghost from the East Coast," and was honorably discharged as Photographer's Mate 2nd Class (E-5), in 1975. His major awards and decorations included: Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
In 1972, he began serving the local community at the Town of Colonie Police Department, shield number 76, as a patrolman, until being assigned as an accident investigation officer in 1975. In 1977, he was assigned to the detective unit, and in 1979, he was promoted to the rank of detective, assigned to the Identification Unit and Forensic Unit, until retirement in 1992, after 20 years of service.
In 1992, he began serving at the N.Y. State Assembly, as Deputy Sergeant at Arms, performing facility security with distinction for 26 years of state service, until 2018.
During his retirement years, he was known to some as "Just Charles, the Magical Investigator" and owned/operated Charles Tryon Photography.
Charlie was a member of:
Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club N.Y. Chapter VIII
Fraternal Order of Police Capital District Lodge 14
Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie # 3773
International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) Ring 186 – Albany
Retired Police Benevolent Association (RPBO) of New York
Society of American Magicians (SAM) Assembly 24 – Capital District
Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans - Life Member
U.S. Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, Fort Pierce, Fla. – Life Member U.S. Navy Photographer # 5155
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gurtler Brothers, Saratoga Post #420
Watervliet Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge# 1500
HVCC Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity
In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his wife, Patricia A. (Mann) Tryon; and half-siblings, Julia E. (Storm) Pailley, John E. Brenenstuhl, Carl H. Storm, and Helen M. (Storm) May; and his dear friend, William H. Meyer.
He is survived by adopted sister, Myra A. Tryon; half-brothers, Otis H. Richards Jr., and Michael R. Richards; two half-sisters, Susan M. (Richards) Smith, and Rebecca (Geoffrey) K. (Richards) Webb; stepchildren, Robin (Barry) Sherwin, Roy (Karen) Johnson, Kimberly Johnson, and Jamie (Carol) Johnson; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and his adored Shih Tzus, Maggie Mae. Charles' family would like to especially thank his grandnephew, Joshua White, for his friendship, kindness, and support given to Uncle Chuck in his time of need.
Charlie had a full life! He enjoyed scuba diving, being a scuba diving instructor, photography, magic, electronics, computers, science and art, playing the role of Santa Claus, storytelling, and any opportunity to put a smile on someone's face.
Relatives, friends and the community are invited and may call at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, N.Y., on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. A prayer service will take place at 6:30 p.m., with Pastor Drew Sperry of Calvary, United Methodist Church, officiating.
Funeral procession to depart from the funeral home Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, N.Y., where interment with full military honors will take place.
All are invited to attend a Funeral Repast Luncheon at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #420, 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the VFW Saratoga Springs, Post 420, in memory of Charles Tryon, (checks only please) C/O Gene Ricigliano, Quartermaster, 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. Donations will also be accepted at the Funeral Repast Luncheon after the National Cemetery interment of our beloved Charles Tryon.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and donations.