Charles M. Witkowski

1919 - 2018

Charles M. Witkowski 1919 - 2018
PALATINE BRIDGE - Mr. Charles M. Witkowski "Charlie", passed away in the comfort of the Palatine Nursing Home, at the age of 98, on Saturday morning, March 3, 2018. His home was on Stone Arabia Road from 1946 to 2013.
He was born on November 1, 1919, in Jersey City, New Jersey, a son of the late John and Helen (Malinowski) Witkowski, and was raised in the Jordanville area, where he attended a 1 room schoolhouse until 7th grade, when he left to support his family, working on their farm, driving horse-drawn milk routes, logging and various other jobs.
Much of the wisdom he had shared through the years was a result of what he had learned through trial and error. He went on to serve our country with the United States Army during World War II. His marriage to the former Rose Bayzon took place September 12, 1942, in Richfield Springs. She passed away on June 12, 2004. He worked for over 35 years for the town of Palatine, retiring as Town Superintendent, a position he held for twenty years during which he commissioned over 35 miles of roads, many still used today. For the entirety of service to his community, he also dedicated whatever free time he had to his family on the farm which he purchased in 1946.
Charlie will be fondly remembered and revered for his commitment to everything he set out to accomplish; from working on the farm or fixing town equipment to baking his elderberry pies, he gave it his all to ensure that the attention to detail was met with military precision and fatherly love. It was truly a challenge to win a game of pitch or checkers against him. He was a charismatic and natural story teller, always able to relate with a tale and quick with a joke finished off with his signature chuckle. Children were especially drawn to him as he always had a pocket full of hard candy to hand out; he was often referred to as "the candy man". Charlie took pride in everything he accomplished, at the forefront was the love and pride he had for his family, he always took the time to sit with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to listen to their stories and offer up advice. His family is forever grateful for having his generosity, his wisdom, his stories, and quick wit. He was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Fort Plain.
He is survived by his son, Charles W. Witkowski and wife, Roseann, of Sprakers, NY; his brother, John Witkowski, of Tucson, AZ; along with his sisters, Clara Sarafin, of Herkimer, and Stephanie Greseck, of Richfield Springs; his grandchildren, Lisa Sansevieri and her husband, Vincent, of New Hartford, Michelle Linck and her husband, Tim, of Sauquoit, Aaron Witkowski and his wife, Julie, of Summit, NY, and Shaun Witkowski, of Boulder, Colorado; his great-grandchildren, Ashley, Kirsten, Zach, Gabby, Jake, Alex, Ryan and Brendon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Edward Witkowski, William Witkowski and Stanley Witkowski, and sisters, Julia Smagalski, Frances Mlekoday, Stella Witkowski and Edna Guzik-Orcheski.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 12:00 Noon at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, St. Johnsville, NY, with Father James Davis officiating. Calling hours will be held the same day of the funeral service from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. It is the wish of the family that his burial takes place later this spring at St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, NY, at which time we will honor Charles with military rites.
Those wishing to remember Charles Witkowski in a special way are asked to consider a donation in his memory to either Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 119 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339 or to the Palatine Nursing Home, 154 Lafayette Street, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.
The family is very grateful for the wonderful care Charlie received at the Palatine Nursing Home, especially mentioning Rob Lachut whom he spoke very highly of. We will always remember how grandpa loved to play cards, especially the game pitch and 'the dollar squares'!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Funeral Directors Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin Ciaccia, (518) 568-2300.
An online memorial page has been established at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.