Charles W. Lee

Charles W. Lee of Montrose, NY passed away on October 24,2023 at the age of 86 with his family by his side.  Charles was born on January 18,1937 to Ethel Clapper Lonergan and Ralph E Lee in Burlington, VT.   Charles was raised in Verplanck, NY, attending St. Patrick's School and Hendrick Hudson High School.   It was there where he met his wife of 62 years Francine (Lamb).  They moved to Montrose, NY in 1966 to raise their family and would continue to reside there for the remainder of his life.

Charles was a proud veteran of the US Army, enlisting in 1954 at the age of 17.  He was a member of the 11th Airborne Division and became a Ranger in 1955.  He received several letters of commendation while he was a Sergeant stationed in Germany with the 188th Airborne Infantry Regiment.  Earning his Paratrooper wings was an accomplishment he was most proud of.  They were his prize possession and he carried them in his pocket everyday throughout his life. 

Charles worked at the VA hospital in Montrose in the Engineering Division for 32 years, retiring in 1994.

Charles was a lifetime member of Cortlandt Engine Co. in Montrose for over 50 years, serving as 2nd lieutenant, 1st lieutenant and Captain.  He was a lifetime member of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 1030, in Verplanck, NY

Charles was known as “Pop” by many but especially by family and close friends.  Charles could fix/build anything and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Charles loved gardening, woodworking, sitting outside on his deck and listening to old-time country music.

Charles will be dearly missed by his wife, Francine, his daughters, Brenda (Steve) Foster and Charlene (Michael) Wyskida; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, siblings Marlene (Danny) Russo, George (Colleen) Lonergan, Edward Lonergan and Kathleen (Les) Phelps as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings John P. Lonergan and Maureen Kuney, and by his much-loved grandson Michael Lee Wyskida.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 3:00-7:00 PM at the O’Mara & Carpentieri Funeral Home.  A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Church, Verplanck, NY.  Interment will follow at the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Verplanck, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Christophers Inn, PO Box 150, Garrison NY

O’MARA & CARPENTIERI FUNERAL HOME

97 Broadway

Verplanck, New York 10596

914-293-0700

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