ILION – Charles A. “Chuck” Amendolare, Sr., age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, January 9, 2020, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of his passing, he had the love and support of his devoted family at his side. Born on March 10, 1948, Charles was the son of the late Charles S. and Angeline M. (Internicola) Amendolare. He was raised and educated in Frankfort and was proud to have returned to school later in life to obtain his high school diploma. On March 4, 1967, Charles enlisted with the United States Navy. His service included a thirteen month tour in Vietnam where he valiantly defended his nation as a MEDEVAC helicopter crew member. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1970 and remained an ardent veteran throughout his life. On June 7, 1969, Charles was wed to the former Judith “Judi” Goodwin and together they shared in a marriage spanning over fifty years. They were blessed with three children, four grandsons, and a lifetime of happy memories. Chuck spent his career as a Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide with the former Utica Psychiatric Center. His commitment to his consumers was admirable and would often take them home on day-trips to be surrounded with the love and laughter of his own family. He retired after thirty-seven years of service. In his spare time, nothing gave Chuck more pleasure than spending time with his beloved family. He loved to go camping with his children and especially his grandsons and the many memories made on those trips still bring rolls of laughter to his family today. He had an amazing sense of humor and could always be found breaking someone’s chops or brightening someone’s day with a joke. He truly knew the power of laughter. Chuck was always willing to help others and could often be found mowing and snowblowing not only his own property, but also the properties of others in his neighborhood. He loved to tinker around his house and was a jack-of-all-trades, even building his own “patchwork garage” from materials he recycled from around the community. He was truly one of a kind. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judi; his daughter and son-in-law, Kari Sue and Richard LaPoint of Ilion; his sons and daughters-in-law, Chuck, Jr. and Anna King Amendolare of Odenton, MD and David and Leigh Amendolare of Newport; his grandsons, Garrett, Ian and Liam Amendolare and Colton LaPoint; his brother, George J. Amendolare, Sr. and fiancé, Judith Elthorp of Schuyler; and his sister, Ann D’Aiuto and husband, Ray of Florida. He also leaves his in-laws, Robin and Vaughn Fiess of Olympia, Washington; an aunt, an uncle, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friends, Jackie and Bob Sorenson, Julie Legrand and Joanne and Santo Falcone. Charles was also a huge animal lover who cared for many beloved pets through the years. He also leaves behind his dog, Max and his cat, Lizzy, at home. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Doreen Goodwin and his sister-in-law, Barbara Amendolare. A very special thank you is extended to the 5th floor staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, as well as to the staff of the ICU there, for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Chuck and his family. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Charlie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 6:00PM, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or to the American Kidney Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.