Charles Huntington

Born in Randolph in 1926, Chuck was one of four lively sons of Mary (Newton) and Frank Huntington. Chuck lived most of his life in Little Valley, having built his own home from the ground up. He and his late wife Joanne raised their four children in this home and remained there for the rest of their lives.

Chuck was married to the love of his life, Joanne, for 70 years before her passing in 2017. Together, they raised four children: Jim (Janet), Jackie, Judy (Bill) MacMillan, and Chris (Terry) Stark. In his final years, Chuck was especially blessed to have all four of his children nearby to assist with his care.

Chuck was incredibly proud to have served in the Navy during World War II. At the young age of 17, he decided his efforts were best spent serving his country. He completed basic training at Sampson U.S. Naval Training Station and served on the USS Cebu, which supported the war effort from Manus in the Admiralty Islands, the Philippines, Leyte, and Okinawa. Upon his return home, Chuck went to beauty school and opened a salon in Little Valley. It turned out he was not much of a talker, so he moved on to work for Cattaraugus Cutlery, Steel Partitions, the Ford Plant, and Hall’s Bakery, eventually serving for 20 years at the county jail and retiring in 1988. He later received an honorary diploma from Randolph High School and was deeply moved by his participation in an Honor Flight visit to Washington, DC in 2019.

An avid gardener, Chuck found pure joy and peace in growing his organic garden. He maintained this hobby for decades and has passed his interest on to his children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Chuck was also passionate about birdwatching and woodworking, frequently donating lamps that he built for local fundraising efforts. He also devoted many loving hours crafting one-of-a-kind dollhouses for several family members.

Chuck was a charter member of the Little Valley Lions club, a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion, and an active member of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church.

Surviving, besides his children, are nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and a wonderful community of friends that brought great happiness to his life.

While we mourn Chuck’s physical absence, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched with his boundless love and unwavering kindness. May his memory continue to inspire us to live our lives with the same passion, love, and grace that he exemplified.

In honor of Chuck’s memory, the family kindly requests donations to the Little Valley Fire Department at 101 Third St, Little Valley, NY 14755.

A Memorial Mass/Celebration of Life will be held September 27 at 10 am at Our Lady of Peace in Salamanca.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc. 411 Rock City Street in Little Valley, NY.