Charles B. Patton

Patton, Charles B.”Chuck” or “Charlie” age 68 of Elmira, NY passed away after a courageous battle with cancerJanuary 2nd, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Sayre, PA on April 24th, 1943 the son of the late Robert and Lela (Felton) Patton. He was a good looking man who was very smart, proud, strong and had a heart of gold. He married his high school sweetheart, Billie. Together they shared a wonderful and loving 50 plus years of marriage and were blessed with 4 smart and beautiful children; Billie Sue (Richard) DeMott, David Charles (Laurie), Barbara Ann (Jason)Davies, Brett James (Karen) and 7 grandchildren: Eric A., Matthew C. (Candice), Brian L. , Kevin M. DeMott, Ryan D., Erin E. Patton and Tyler L. Burgett; and three great grandchildren, Nassier and Anthony Harriel, Matthew Charles DeMott Jr. Brother: Bobby (Ginny) Patton and Sister: Sue Ann(Miles) Tracy. Brother and Sister in law and good friends Mike and Diane Hess; sister in law: Linda L. Kennedy; brother in law: Dick Grier; sister in law: Beth Patton, and many nieces and nephews. Charlie was predeceased by his parents Robert A. and Lela M., sister Marion Grier and brother Wayne. Charlie had numerous career ventures before becoming an Apprentice Electrician of the I.B.E.W. Local #139 in 1963. Charlie entered the apprenticeship program of Local #139 in June of 1963. He served on the apprenticeship committee in 1968. He was an apprentice instructor from 1969 to 1978. He was elected President of Local #139 in 1980 and was elected Business Manager in 1983. As Business Manager of Local #139, Charlie quickly became familiar with day to day operations of the office. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Charlie took the first steps in organizing. He organized the experienced electricians from the non-union contractors in the area. He appointed a full time organizer/ assistant Business Manager. Also in the early 90’s as administrator of the Local #139 Health and Benefit Fund, he was instrumental in establishing the personal account plan and through the years found more benefits the members were able to use from their accounts. As local #139 Financial Secretary, Charlie took an active role investing Local #139 monies at various local banking institutions, which helped bring many union jobs to the area and helped Local #139 members plan for theirfinancial future. Charlie’s commitment to organized labor did not stop at the Local Union level. He was Secretary Treasurer of the Southern Tier Building Trades Council for 15 years. He served on the Board of directors for Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) for 15 years. He was Chairman of the New York State Workers Association since 1993. He was Vice President of the New York State Workers Assoc. since 1997. He was also on the board of Directors for the Elmira Economic Development Zone (Empire) for 10 years. In addition, Charlie openly supported all area and regional labor friendly political candidates and urged all Local #139 members to vote. In his retirement years, Charlie improved his golf game, spruced up the homestead, kept in touch with all the friends he has made through the years. A celebration of Charlie’s life with family and friends will be held noon to 4:00PM January 21st, 2012 at Tomasso’s, 398 County Rt. 60 Waverly, NY.In Lieu of flowers please make memorials in Charles Patton’s name to the Stray Haven Animal Shelter, 194 Shepard Rd, Waverly, NY 14892 or the Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative care 11751 E. Corning Rd. Corning, NY 14830. Arrangements are entrusted to Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.Expressions of sympathy can be sent through www.olthof.com.A very special “Thank You” to all the nurses at the Falck Center who cared for Charlie as well as the kind staff of the Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care.