ILION - Mr. Robert C. "Rob" Charles, age 35, a longtime Ilion resident, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at his home. Born on December 25, 1979, Rob was the son of the late Conrad and Patricia (Rex) Charles. He was raised and educated locally and graduated from Ilion High School with the Class of 1999. For a short time, thereafter, Rob served in the United States Marine Corps. Hardworking by nature, he held various positions throughout his life with Hale Manufacturing, Utica Metals, Fiberdyne Labs and, for the last few years, with Precision Polish in Frankfort, a workplace where Rob truly enjoyed his job and the people that he worked with. Rob had three very important relationships in his life, from which came his three beautiful and beloved children. In his younger years, he shared a love with Alyce Hardy, and through the bond of their daughter, Samantha, the two maintained a special closeness and lifelong friendship. At one time, Rob was married to the former Krista Vandell, who gave to Rob his second daughter, Abigail. Most recently, Rob was wed to Shannon Charles, and became the proud father of his only son, Conrad. A dedicated family man, Rob was all about his children and his happiest times were those spent with them. He showed them the importance of the great outdoors, taking them camping and fishing and teaching them how to garden. They, in turn, brought out Rob's soft side, building forts in the living room together and proving that the simplest of times spent in sweats on the couch were always some of the best. In addition to his children, Rob was also a lover of animals, and always cared for and pampered his dogs. He leaves behind his precious children, Samantha Charles-Hardy, Abigail "Abby" Charles and Conrad Charles, along with their mothers. He is also survived by his grandmother, Carol Rex of Ilion; his stepchildren, Brian LeFevre and Shawna LeFevre, of Ilion; his mother-in-law, Dale Williams; his sister, Jackie Charles and her boyfriend, Robert Brown, of Utica; his brother, Ray Charles and his wife, Nina, of Virginia; nieces and nephews, Destiny Charles, Robert Brown, Jr., Dynael Brown, Serenity Brown, Romair Brown, Trent Charles-DeJesus and Nissa Charles-DeJesus; aunts and uncles, Kathy and Kim Marlowe, Brian Rex, David Rex and his partner, Dave, Sherry Krick, Nancy Ebersold, Betty Vanderbilt, Mary Louise Smith and Rob's godmother, Paula Rex. He also leaves behind his canine companion, Frankie, as well as the vast number of friendships he had throughout his life. Besides his parents, Rob was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Lyman Rex. Funeral services will be held 1:30 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's larger facility located at 4309 Acme Road (old Main St. between Ilion and Frankfort), officiated by Reverend Robert Wollaber. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 11:30AM - 1:30PM prior to the funeral service. Spring interment will take place in Armory Hill Cemetery where Rob will be laid to rest beside his parents. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Rob, or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.applegateandday.com Rob's loved ones ask that those who may be in trouble, please contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- Central New York, P.O. Box 283, Phoenix, NY 13135, (1-800-273-TALK). It is their hope that no other family should suffer this same tragedy, and that those who face the same silent struggles that Rob did, will seek the support and help that they need. Robert's family has entrusted his service arrangements and supervision to their family Funeral Director, Don Applegate