Charles F. Darling

Charles F. Darling of 4906 Route 88, Sodus, NY and 4125, Route 14, Rock Stream, NY died Thursday, August 31, 2023 at home in his cottage in Rock Stream on Seneca Lake where he spent more than 65 years fishing, swimming, and boating. He was 94.

Born on August 27, 1929 in Montour Falls, NY, son of John B. Darling and Marie Bates Darling. Charles, known by many as Charlie, was an area resident of Sodus, NY for most of his life and an area resident of Rock Stream near Watkins Glen where he grew up and spent his summers for his entire life. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School and then attended and graduated from RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) with an associate's degree in mechanical engineering. He married Martha Jane Valorn on September 19, 1953 and they were married less than 3 weeks shy of 70 years. It was rare to find the two apart. Mr. Darling was a lifelong member of the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) and the EMPIRE Chapter. He served as national AMCA Treasurer 4 years from 1972-1976 and Treasurer of the EMPIRE Chapter approximately 33 years from 1974-2007. Charles was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sodus, NY. Mr. Darling was an engineer, a motorcycle enthusiast, and an avid fisherman. If he wasn't working on one of his antique motorcycles or fishing in Seneca Lake, you could find him out in the vegetable garden, tinkering with one of his old tractors, or involved in extensive genealogical research building a family tree.

Charles is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Martha V. Darling, two children, Edward J. Darling and his wife Susan of North Rose, NY, Julie Ann Darling Sissel and her husband, Mark of Rock Stream, NY; and three grandchildren, Jonah Sissel, Isaiah Sissel, and Seraphina Sissel. Charles was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and he loved nothing more than to spend time with his family.

Visitation hours will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E.4th St, in Watkins Glen, NY. The Funeral service will be held immediately following on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home. Interment will be at Rock Stream Cemetery in Rock Stream, N.Y. at 3:15 pm after the Funeral Service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schuyler County Historical Society or to the First Reformed Church at Sodus, NY. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home .