Obituary of Charles A. Roberts

Age 84, of Waunakee WI – volunteer fire fighter, glass technologist, maintenance man, and frequent flyer at the Waunakee Valley Senior Living card and bingo games -passed away on November 15, 2023.

 Born August 31, 1939, to Cecil and Anna Roberts in Elmira, NY, he grew up one block from a AA baseball stadium, enjoying ball games as part of the Knot Hole Gang and watching Don Zimmer get married at home plate (he even bought a Chevy car from offseason salesman Earl Weaver).  Graduating from Southside High School, Charlie was a volunteer firefighter for the Southport Fire Department and spent six years as a mess hall sergeant in the US Army Reserves.  He earned a degree from Elmira College and spent 28 years as a glass technologist finding stones in beer bottles and outsmarting the EPA on smokestack emissions for Thatcher Glass.  In 1985, Charlie moved to Clearwater, FL to work for Anchor Glass.  After retirement, he worked for Extended Stay Hotels in the Tampa area.   He enjoyed golfing, bowling, country music and moderating online political discussion boards.  

Charles is survived by his son Alan C. Roberts (Jamie) of Waunakee, WI, and daughter Caryn A. Gauzza (Robert) of Nanuet, NY.  He was extremely proud of his four grandchildren: grandson 1^st Lieutenant USAF James A. Roberts of Goldsboro, NC, granddaughters teacher Emily A. Gauzza, sales executive Allyson M. Gauzza and nursing student Molly P. Gauzza of Nanuet, NY.  He is also survived by his sister Donna Manwaring of Elmira (niece Sherella Moulden and nephew Ron Manwaring) and was predeceased by his brother-in-law Ronald Manwaring.  Charlie’s family particularly appreciates the care and support of the Island in the Sun community in Clearwater and the staff of Waunakee Valley Senior Living and Agrace Hospice over the last few years. 

Calling hours shall occur at the McInerny Funeral home at 502 W. Water St, in Elmira, NY from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM on December 9, 2023.  A private funeral and interment in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads, NY shall follow.  Memorial gifts to either of the following organizations are greatly appreciated:

• North Presbyterian Church, 921 College Ave, Elmira, NY  14901:   https://www.northpres.church/tithe

• Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711:  https://www.agrace.org/donate/donate-today/