Charles A. Mahaffy

1929 - 2022

Boonville-Charles A. Mahaffy, 93, of Woodgate Drive passed peacefully, on November 21, 2022.

He was born on May 14, 1929 in Syracuse, N.Y. a son of John and Grayce Alexander Mahaffy. He grew up in Boonville and graduated from Boonville High School in the class of 1946. He enlisted in the Army August 17, 1950 and transferred to Army Reserve on August 17, 1952. He was honorably discharged from the Army on August 26, 1958, as SFC. Charlie served in the Second Infantry Division. He saw combat with that unit and was decorated with the Silver Star Gallantry in Action, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge and Commendation Medal. He was united in marriage with Norma A. Olney on July 11, 1953. She died September 6, 2006.

Charlie was employed in his younger years at Freeman Jewelry Store, Boonville from 1956-58. He then began employment at the Boonville Post Office first as a part time clerk until eventually becoming Post Master, retiring in 1987 after 29 years.

He greatly enjoyed his family, and together they all went camping, picnicking at the woodlot, and family vacations. On May 2, 2009 it was declared Charlie Mahaffy Day in Boonville with a public celebration at the Boonville Fairgrounds, an occasion he was proud of.

He was a member of Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Boonville where he served as Chaplin for 60 years. He also was a member of Harland J. Hennessey Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boonville. Charlie was a 65 year member of the Boonville Volunteer Fire Department with 40 of those years serving as chaplin.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville and was a lay speaker at summer services at Big Moose Chaple and many other churches. This was a great joy to him and he was often accompanied by his family members.

Surviving are his children, Jody Marchetta, New Hartford, Elaine Mahaffy, Woodgate, and Daniel Mahaffy [Melanie Collandra}, Boonville; grandchildren, Jenna Rauh {Andy}, Michael Marchetta {Sara}, Amanda Lovenduski, Adam Lovenduski {Jodi}, Alexandra Mahaffy and her mother Pamela Mahaffy, DJ Mahaffy {Rebecca} and Brandon Mahaffy and their mother Brenda Bashant; step grandchildren, Forrest and Carter Watkins; great grandchildren, Allie, Bobby, Josilyn, Natalie, Leah, and a baby girl due in December; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Richard Ulrich, Boonville; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Capron Mahaffy and Emily Olney; a brother-in-law, Roger Olney; many nieces and nephews who were all special to him; a close cousin Jerry Buckley and his special caregivers, Linda, Debbie and Mary.

He was predeceased by his wife, his parents, Norma's parents, Floyd and Elva Olney, a son, Charles T. Mahaffy, daughter-in-law, Brenda Mahaffy, sons-in-law, Robert Lovenduski and Donald Marchetta, two brothers, Richard and John Mahaffy and a sister-in-law, Joyce Mahaffy, great nephews, Patrick Bolduc and Heath Pritchard.

His funeral will be on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville. Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St., Boonville. Spring burial in Boonville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Boonville Fire and Ambulance, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, N.Y. 13309 or the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville, P.O. Box 213, Boonville, NY 13309. For an online message of sympathy go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com.

Food donations may be brought to the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville on Saturday morning after 9 a.m. for the luncheon downstairs.