R. Charles "Charlie" Getchonis

R. Charles (Charlie) Getchonis, 83, of Sherrill, passed away, peacefully, on February 5, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends.

Charlie was born on November 20, 1942, the son of Albinas and Mary Getchonis, in Oneida, NY. He was a graduate of Hamilton Central School (HCS), Class of 1960. It was at HCS where Charlie met the love of his life, Sally. Together they formed an inseparable bond and enjoyed 53 years of marriage, inspiring others with their unwavering love and devotion to each other and their family.

Charlie graduated from State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and served as a teacher at Chittenango High School, for 34 years, until his retirement in 1999. Known by his many students as "Mr. Getch," he taught Driver Education and Technology, specializing in Mechanical Drawing. After he retired from teaching, he enjoyed a second career with Vantine Imaging in Hamilton.

Charlie's dedication to the Village of Hamilton is reflected in his many years of service to the community. He served as a Trustee on the Hamilton Village Board and the Town of Hamilton Board and was elected to four terms as Mayor, which was one of his proudest accomplishments. Charlie was also an active member and past President of the Hamilton Rotary Club and Hamilton Booster Club.

A defining part of knowing Charlie was experiencing his dry wit and gregarious personality, his thoughtful generosity and his appreciation for cars, loud music and art.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Scot Getchonis and Amber Ward, of Bristol, RI; daughter-in-law, Meredith Leland, of Waterville; sisters, Jean Getchonis, of Hamilton and Barbara Frawley, of Melbourne, FL; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda Getchonis, of Ithaca, Sharon Carr, of Athens, GA, Carl and Vivyan Carroccio, of Hamilton and Karen Carroccio, of Clay; grandchildren, Emily, Edie, Kaleb, Jalen, Skyler, Aven, Ann Elise and Lexington; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sally; son, Craig; daughter, Kristen; and his brother, Jim.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton. Friends and family are invited and may call at the funeral home, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., prior to the Service. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Hamilton, will take place in the spring.

Contributions, in his memory, may be made to Community Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, NY or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413.

To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.