Grant Charles

Grant Charles of New Hampton, a retired self-employed TV repairman and a lifelong resident of the area, entered into rest on Friday, June 15, 2018 at home. He was 92.
The son of the Alex Zolendjeski and Eugenia “Effie” Majowski Zolendjeski, he was born Sept. 29, 1925, in New Hampton.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on an anti-aircraft gun crew aboard several destroyers. After the war, he enlisted in the Army, followed by service in the Naval Reserves.
Grant was a member of the PLAV Post 16 in Pine Island. He loved gardening, raising chickens, fishing, cooking and polka dancing. He also enjoyed road trips to visit the kids with his beloved Boston terriers to destinations across the U.S., including many trips with his buddies to Rhode Island. His repair shop in the backyard was a social gathering spot especially during football and hunting season.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Mary Lou Charles; son Grant Michael Charles and wife Irene; daughter Ruth “Rudy” Charles; granddaughter Maria Charles; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by five sisters: Lillian Campbell, Stella Minkus, Jennie Majowitz, Sylvia Olszewski and Emma Molnar; and five brothers: Ernest, Daniel, John, Howard and Arthur.
A memorial service was held June 22 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home in Pine Island.
Burial was held June 23 at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.