HERKIMER: Ronald P. Charles, Sr., 67, a long time Herkimer area resident, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown after a long illness with the love and support of his family. Born in Herkimer on February 11, 1948, Ron was the son of the late Ronald W. and Mary (Feilen) Charles. He was raised and received his education locally. Ron honorably served his country by enlisting with The United States Navy, serving 3 tours of duty in the Vietnam War. On December 31, 1998, Ron married the love of his life, the former Karen E. Harris. The couple shared a union of love and many happy times during their 17 years of marriage. He had formally been married to Betsy Hildreth. Ron was employed by Remington Arms as a final assembler for almost 30 years. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America where he was instrumental in bringing them to Remington Arms and served as president of that organization for several years. Ron enjoyed the outdoors, especially the Adirondacks and had a great love for Lake George and Piseco Lake. In his leisure time he enjoyed mowing his lawn and watching his favorite TV shows, Swamp People and NCIS. He loved his wrist watch and coin collections. Most important to Ron was being in the presence of his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald (Pete) and Liz Charles, Jr. of Bronx, NY and Erik and Kathy Moss of Richfield Springs; his daughters and sons-in-law, Tami Charles-McClurg of Herkimer, Sara Charles- Goguen and husband Jason of Charlotte, NC and Tammy and Ed Domion of Richfield Springs; his grandchildren, Justin, Keith, Tom, Benjamin, Tyler, Sophia and Noelani and a great granddaughter, Jayde. He is also survived by his sisters, Karen Charles Cool of Maryland and Gaylene Getman and husband Lee of Florida; 3 aunts; 2 uncles; a brother-in-law, Richard Harris of Burlington Flats and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Scotty Charles, and his mother and father in-law Robert & Doris Harris. Friends and relatives are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home (FKA Holleran Funeral Service), 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011. Ron’s funeral service will immediately follow calling hours at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Burlington Flats Cemetery in the Spring of 2016 with full military honors. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ron’s memory, please consider the Wounded Warrior Project or 4Petsake Pet Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ron’s family is being cared for by Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors.