Charlie was born in Flushing, New York on July 20, 1937, and his family and friends knew him endearingly as “Chuck,” “Russ,” or “Poppy.” He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Wren DD-568 from 1955 to 1958 and often spoke fondly of the memories he made during that time.
Following his time in the Navy, Charlie worked for the United States Postal Service for over 37 years before retiring in 1992. Charlie enjoyed being an active member of the Oneonta community and worked in several community positions after his retirement, including in the Office of Ancillary Services at Oneonta State University, as an Election Inspector with the Otsego County Board of Elections, and as a Bingo Inspector for the City of Oneonta. Many people in the Oneonta community know Charlie as the beloved crossing guard for families and students at Center Street School, a position he thoroughly enjoyed and held dear to his heart, and for handing out “Smarties” at his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Charlie will be missed greatly by his wife, Carol. Carol and Charlie would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on February 8th. He will also be missed by his daughter, Susan Kurkowski, and her husband, Kevin, of Oneonta, New York; his son, John Bollinger, and his wife, Lia, of Williamsburg, Virginia; his treasured grandchildren: Kaitlyn O’Connor of Richmond, Virginia, Kyle and Kevers Kurkowski of Oneonta, New York, and Caroline and Abigail Bollinger of Williamsburg, Virginia; his sister, Midge Finck, and her husband, Eddie, of Levittown, New York; and his sister-in-law, Susan Cannizzaro, and her husband, Joe, of Voorhees Township, New Jersey. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation and thanks to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Danielle, Soraya, Rachel, and Ellen for their loving care of Charlie and his family. They would also like to thank the Oneonta Fire Department for their tireless compassion showed to Charlie over the years.
For those who wish to celebrate Charlie’s life, the family will hold calling hours on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 5-7 PM at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street in Oneonta. A Mass will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to honor Charlie make donations to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or the Oneonta Fire Department Rescue Fund, 79 Main Street, Oneonta, NY, 13820, in memory of Charles R. Bollinger, Jr.
To send an online condolence please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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