In Memory of Charles "Chuck" H. Hanford

Obituary

Charles “Chuck” H Hanford, age 61 of Old Forge, passed away peacefully on June 15th with his family by his side while listening to his favorite music. He was born August 5 th , 1962, in Plattsburgh, NY, son of John and Laura Hanford.

Chuck grew up in Keeseville, NY and moved to Old Forge in 1973. Growing up he was an outdoorsman and loved exploring everything the Adirondacks had to offer. He attended Town of Webb UFSD and graduated in 1980. He then attended SUNY Morrisville and earned his Associate’s Degree for Automotive Mechanic.

On April 25th, 1987, Chuck married the love of his life, Lisa (Leonik), at St. Matthew’s Church in East Syracuse, NY.

Chuck took immense pride in his work and wore many hats throughout the years. He spent many years working for his family’s business at the Old Forge KOA where he rightfully earned the nickname “Captain KOA”. He then began working at the Town of Webb UFSD Bus Garage as a mechanic. There he earned the title of SED School Bus Driver Instructor and 19A Certified Examiner. Chuck’s greatest accomplishment, however, was becoming a three-time Bus Rodeo Champion. After serving TOW USFD he worked several different jobs: Morin’s Towing, Helmer’s Fuel and Trucking Inc., Big Red’s Towing, BJ Queen Enterprises, and finally for the TOW Department of Public Works. Chuck was also a past Assistant Chief of the Old Forge Fire Department.

Chuck enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, and camping, all of which he shared with his children. You could almost always count on seeing him enjoying a beer while porch sitting with his family. Other interests included leading the local Boy Scout Troop, coaching his children’s sports teams, and attending his children’s games and concerts. He had a true passion for teaching others, in any way that he could, to pass along knowledge he had. He had the gift of gab and could talk to anyone about anything. As he grew older, and maybe wiser, he enjoyed his meat smoker, reading National Geographic, traveling for good food and good beer, watching the squirrels navigate the obstacle course he made to protect his bird feeder, watching said bird feeder, and playing solitaire and sudoku with the volume turned all the way up. He thoroughly enjoyed attending The Annual Pabst Politicking Campout and The Ladies of Park Ave. Porch Parties.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lisa (Leonik) Hanford, their cat Rooster, daughter Chelsea (David) Beltowski, son Charlie Hanford, mother Laura Hanford, sisters Hannah Hanford (JD Duval), Kass Hanford, and Tammy (Paul) Tenerowicz, sister-in-law Suellen Leonik (Ray Derby), brother-in-law Peter Leonik. Additionally, he leaves behind nephews Tosh and Jonathan Forrence, nieces Sarah Falsey and Jennifer Jubin, his favorite Peek-a-boo Pal Maddie, spoiled grandcats Thor, Clawdia, Al, and Barty, as well as many dear friends.

He was predeceased by his father John B Hanford, his grandmother Adele Redfield, in-laws Stanley and Monica Leonik, and beloved friend and neighbor Ed Vanderveer. 

The family would like to thank the Enchanted Forest/ Water Safari Medical Staff, the Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corps., the Old Forge Fire Department, the Woodgate Fire Department, LifeNet of NY, SUNY Upstate University Hospital, the SUNY Upstate University Hospital Neuro-ICU staff of 9F, the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery staff, and the greater Old Forge Community.

Friends may consider donations in memory of Chuck to the Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corps., the Old Forge Fire Department, the Herkimer County Humane Society, and the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network.

From the Hanford family; Don’t wait. Do all of the things. Until we meet again, we love you Chuck/Dad.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com