Charlie Carter

Charlie Carter, a life-long resident of Warwick, ended his earthly journey on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. He was surrounded by and serenaded to heaven through song by family and friends.

The love of his life for 65 years, Michele Carter (Cohen), held his hand until his peaceful passing.

Charlie was born June 16, 1933, to Charles C.E. Carter and Julia Taylor Carter.

He was a Warwick icon, involved in activities and groups almost too numerous to mention. From being a founding member of the Warwick Jaycees, 50-year member of Warwick Masonic Lodge, Warwick Methodist Church (and former lay speaker) to 37 years of service to the Warwick Valley School District and a strong supporter of the Ecumenical Food Pantry of Warwick, Charlie gave generously to all around him.

Charlie was also a 50-year member of the New York State High School Football officials, Excelsior Hose Company, Warwick Valley Ambulance and a lifetime member of the NRA.

He was a former co-owner of the Pioneer Restaurant, 1976-86.

He was also a founding member of the Kingswood hunting club, and Camp Kingswood in Hancock, always remained a special place of refuge for him.

He was a strong father, brother, friend and mentor to many, many people, including the 17 young men he and Michele fostered over the years. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children: Robert and his wife Sharon of Phoenixville, Pa., Gary and his wife Shermane of Warwick, Beth and her husband Steven Pivovar of Stony Point, Craig and his wife Kelley, of Tacoma, Wash., Julie of Middletown, German Colon and his wife Diane of Warwick and Bob Moran and his wife Debbie of Warwick.

He also is survived by his grandchildren: Nathaniel (Casey), Cassandra, Rebecca, Taylyn, Sharleigh, Sarah Hatton (Donald), Daniel Pivovar (Brittany), Cameron (Amber), Colin (Melanie), Justin Colon (Katie), Evan Colon (Heather), Paul Moran (Vanessa), Stephanie Riley (Jeffrey) and Nicole Schaefer (Edward); and by his great grandchildren: Kayloni, Tiahni, Ava, Scarlet, Dylan, Logan and more to come.

He is also survived by brothers Richard (Constance) and Leo (Maura), sister-in-law Shari Cohen and son-in-law Jon Bourassa (Jose).

He was predeceased by his son Michael Stephen Carter (1989) and sister-in-law Alice Whitney Carter (2009).

Special thanks to Tacoma General Hospital for their great care when Charlie fell ill, Alaska Airlines and Warwick Valley Ambulance Corps for their care in getting him back to New York and ICU at Orange Regional Medical Center. In particular, the family would like to thank Renee, Linda, Pam, Patty and Vicky for their loving kindness and compassionate care, which let dad retain his dignity during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 30th, at 2 p.m. at the Warwick United Methodist Church. Immediately following, friends and family will join together in fellowship at the church hall.

The family requests that no flowers be sent and that donations be made to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry, 135 Forester Ave., Warwick NY 10990.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home in Warwick. For further information or to send an online condolence, see www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.