Charles "Charlie" D. W. Houper

CHARLES D.W. HOUPERCharlie passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 after an extended illness. He leavesbehind his loving family: wife, Kathleen, sons and daughter-in-laws, Doug andAnn, and Phil and Dennise,and his precious grandchildren,Alexa, Reilly, Calum and Logan;His mother, Rose from Horseheads,brother and sister-in-law, Rickand Sandy Houper, step mother,Rose Houper from Corning, severalnieces, nephews and many cousins,along with his extended family from Kathie's side Margy and JoeDritto, Jim and Beth Rielly, Eileen and Bob Tellefsen, Dossieand Garrett Walczak, David andKay Stilwell, and Dorothy Stilwell. Special friends, Joe Holly, Dieter Schwarzbauer and Chuck Buzzetti. He was predeceasedby his father Charles F. Houper,family friend Bernard Bilzor,mother-in-law, Margaret Rielly.Charlie was born and raised inElmira. After graduation from Southside High School, he servedin the Coast Guard for 4 yearsgoing between Japan and Hawaii.He graduated from Elmira Collegewith an A.A.S. in Police Scienceand a B.S. in Criminal Justice.His career and life work was spentgoing through the ranks at theChemung County Sheriffs Department,eventually serving the communityas its sheriff for 20 years. He successfully completed and graduated from the F.B.I. NationalAcademy in Quantico, VA. He wasvery active in the NYS SheriffsAssociation, serving as Presidentand then became a life member. Hechaired and served on variouscommittees with the NationalSheriffs Association.Charlie wasan active volunteer for the ArcticLeague (past president), Elmira Kiwanis, Elmira Elks Club, American Legion, Red Cross andmany others.In his spare time,Charlie loved to play golf, cardswith friends, aerobics and running.He finished many a marathon in hisearlier days. The best time he spent was with his family. He wasvery proud of his sons andabsolutely adored his grandchildren.He and Kathie enjoyed many tripsthroughout the United States,their years on Keuka Lake, and funshared with family and friends.He will be missed by many! Familyand friends are invited to call atthe Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY Saturday, February 4th, 2012 from1 to 3:OO PM & 6-9:OO PM to 9:OOPM.Funeral services celebrating Charlie's life will be held thereSunday, February 5th, 2012 at 11:OO AM.Graveside services will follow in theWoodlawn National Cemetery with fullmilitary honors accorded in his honor.