Charles T Rattan

Charles T. “CT” Rattan passed away on December 12, 2025 at his home on Sterling Pond in Parishville, NY after a long battle with cancer. Born June 18, 1946 in Dallas, TX, he traveled extensively growing up the son of the late US Army Colonel Volney Rattan and Frances Eddy-Rattan. He considered his roots in Texas, but his home was Sterling Pond.

He went to High School in Prince George, Virginia and graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

In 1988 he married Penelope “Penny” A. Goldsmith. Together, they made Sterling Pond their home for the past 37 years. Prior to moving to the North Country, CT briefly taught high school history in NC and was a Boy Scouts of America executive in Ithaca NY. In the early 1970s he moved to Natural Bridge, NY and became the Town Justice of Diana. In 1977 he acquired the Nationwide Insurance agency in Gouverneur, NY which he operated for 40 years. He was proud to have been a two-time president of the Gouverneur Rotary Club.

CT liked to spend time attending auctions and working in his shop refurbishing antique hand planes and fishing lures. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of the Morewood Fish and Game Club and the Parishville Sportsman Club. He was also a member the St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum and AMVETS Post 265. Most recently CT volunteered his time working in the gift shop at Canton Potsdam Hospital. He is remembered for his keen sense of humor, plaid flannel shirts and “trucker suspenders”.

CT had many obstacles to overcome after his extensive surgeries which he did with loving support from his family and Sterling Pond neighbors. He lived through his final years with determination and a positive attitude. As he liked to say, “I’m doing pretty good for an old-guy”.

CT is survived by his wife Penny, daughter Kristina Champ, son John Ives and his wife Susan, brother Richard Rattan and his wife Effie, a nephew, several grandchildren, and close family friend Steven Ashlaw.

The family thanks Lawrence Kring, MD and Donna Gokey, NP for their care and support.

Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the Garner Funeral Service where condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.

A celebration of CT’s life will be held on Saturday January 31, 2026 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.at the AMVETS Hall, 25 Rutman Road, Parishville, NY 13672.

If you wish to honor CT’s memory contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley or the Parishville Fire Department.