Obituary of Charles King

Charles "Chuck" King Elmira: Age 78, of Elmira, died at his home, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Chuck was born August 12, 1932, the son of George and Margaret (Zimmerman) King. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Elizabeth "Betty" Bevilacqua King; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret "Peggy" and David Johnston of Kensington, NH, with sons, Sean, Alex, and Joel; son and daughter-in-law, Anthony G. "Tony" and Birgitt King of Wheeler, NY, with daughter, Gabriella; foster son, Gary Pike, with wife Tina, of Plant City, FL; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth and Robert Murphy of Lewisburg, PA; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Peter and Lucy Bevilacqua of Endicott, Mary Ogershok of Elmira, Anna Mann of Sarasota, FL, and Susie Carozza of Elmira; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. A Korean War veteran Chuck served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy, and then enlisted in the Merchant Marines for 2 years. After his military service Chuck went to work for Corning, Inc. as a Software Engineer. He took night courses at both Corning Community College and Elmira College, all the while working to support his family. In 1972 Chuck started his own business, Courser, Inc. While running Courser, he was granted 4 U. S. patents dealing with laser leveling. After selling Courser, Chuck went to work for BOCES where he taught machine shop for a number of years prior to his retirement. An avid hunter and fisherman, Chuck especially loved duck hunting. He and Betty had a great love for Seneca Lake and had a cottage there for 27 years. Chuck was a charter member of the West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department, and a long time communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of W. Water and Walnut Sts., on Sunday, April 10, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 11, 2011, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment, with military honors, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830, in Chuck's memory. Chuck's family sends a special thank you to nieces, Angela Tufillaro, Paula Parker, and Mary Lou Benko for the wonderful care given to him over the last several months.