Charles Whitcomb, Jr.

Our beloved father, Charles W. Whitcomb, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 31, 2016. Charles was a graduate of Binghamton North High Schools’ Machine Shop Program. He began work immediately for Universal Instruments Corporation as a machinist and was soon after drafted into the United States Army. Charles was a peacetime veteran serving from 1957-1959. He returned to work at Universal Instruments and became a highly respected machinist, operating high precision equipment. When a piece part problem arose, they “took it to Charlie”. Charles was a lifelong member of Conklin Forks United Methodist Church, serving in many positions throughout. The community enjoyed his square dance band of younger years; many barns were the venues for his lively music; accompanied by his father, brother and brother-in-law. His beautiful singing and guitar music blessed our church on many, many occasions. His final blessing was a song he wrote, “That Old Church Bell”. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy, brothers, John, James and Albert and sisters-in-law, Esther and Shirley. Charles is survived by his children; Cindy and Dana Whitney, Orchard Park, NY, Nancy and Bob Byce, Binghamton, Charles Whitcomb III, Binghamton, Daniel and Jeannene Whitcomb, Tolland, CT and Bertha and Jim Gates, Binghamton and eight treasured grandchildren. He leaves behind brother, Benjamin Whitcomb, Binghamton and sister-in-law, Florence Whitcomb, Binghamton and Marion Whitcomb, Massachuseats. The family would like to thank the staff of the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford for the exceptional care and compassion they extended Charles during his stay. A celebration of Charles’ life will be held 10:00 am, Friday, August 12, 2016 at the Conklin Forks United Methodist Church, 4420 Brady Hill Road, Binghamton with the Reverend David Piatt officiating. Interment will follow services in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 11, 2016 at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton. Memorial contributions in Charles’ name may be made to the Conklin Forks UMC Improvement Fund. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com.