Cornelius John Charron

age 84, passed peacefully Monday, September 19th after a brief illness. Born May 1st, 1927, in Elmira, NY, to the late Leo J. Charron and Mary Beatrice (Shannon), Neil first saw his soon to be bride to be, Marlene E. Peterson as she strolled past his Mother's home on Washington and John Street way back in 1951. He gave a whistle from the front porch and she took notice! It didn't take long before they were betrothed almost 60 years ago. Married on August 2nd, 1952, at St. Peter's and Paul's in Elmira, Neil was whisked away shortly afterwards to serve in the Army at Fort George Mease, Maryland, as a Radio and Telephone operator during the Korean Conflict.Neil leaves behind his loving wife, Marlene, short of their 60th anniversary, two children, Ronald J. Charron of Horseheads, and Christine (David) Cooper of Elmira. Neil has two Grandchildren, Arielle Hartsock, currently of Gainesville, FL, and Stephanie Cooper of Elmira, as well as Elijah Cooper, Elmira, and Justin Cooper of Horseheads, and several nieces and nephews. Neil is not only predeceased by his parents, but by two sisters, Mary Charron, of Elmira, and Irene Charron of Florida. He is survived by his brothers Allen (Molly) Charron of Syracuse NY, Robert (Jean) of Elmira, sisters JoAnn Drivers, St. Petersburg, FL, Patricia O'Dell and Eleanor Snyder, both of Elmira. Neil retired after 40 years with Corning Glass Works as an electric truck operator during his early years and studied to receive his certified license as a heavy equipment operator. Neil was a past member of the American Legion, Post 154 in Elmira Heights, as well as a past member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Post 154. He enjoyed his precious time with his family and grandchildren. One of the family's cherished memories was during the Flood of '72 when Neil was caught miles apart from his wife and children by the flood waters. He would not accept the orders to stay put in Corning, and spent hours heroically traversing the back roads and countryside in his Volkswagen Beatle determined to see his family safe in his flood ravaged neighborhood in Elmira. In more recent years, he could be seen tooling around Elmira in his favorite classic black Chevy El Comino that he very reluctantly gave up as his age progressed. In his younger years, Neil enjoyed Scuba diving with friend Gordy Donaldson and many, many years of bowling.Friends and Family are invited to bring their remembrances and stories to Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday, September 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The Chemung County Veteran's Honor Squad will also accord Mr. Charron with Military Honors at 4:00 PM.Internment will take place on Monday, September 26th, at 10:00 AM in the Woodlawn National Cemetery 1826 Davis Street. Those wishing to honor Neil's memory may do so with a gift to the Chemung County Nursing Facility's Resident Memorial Fund, 103 Washington St., Elmira, NY, 14901. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for his family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com