Charles “Charlie” Michael Buchal joined his beloved wife Theresa “Tessie” Green Buchal in eternal rest September 8th. He passed away at home with loved ones close by. Charlie was 79 years old.

Charlie was born January 15, 1947, at Liberty Loomis Hospital. He married his high school sweetheart Theresa Green in 1968. He grew up in Liberty and although he and his family moved to Lake George, he retained his love for the area and a small-town way of life.

Education was always important to him. He earned his master’s degree at SUNY New Paltz as a history teacher and started his teaching career at Otisville Correctional facility. He continued with the department of corrections until his retirement from Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility as Director of Education. Throughout his career in corrections and well after retirement he was a member of the National Correctional Education Association. He held many different inspiring and policy-generating positions, including President.

Charlie loved sports. He was an avid golfer, having developed a love and skill for the game by playing with his father and brother from when he could first hold a club as a child. He also loved softball and played in many leagues over the years from the time he was in high school. He rounded out his softball career by umpiring high school softball games, which he continued to do until his passing. He always looked forward to joining his friends at his bowling league and weekly trivia nights.

Charlie was loving, kindhearted and incredibly caring. He brought his sense of humor and inclusiveness to everything he did. He enjoyed helping out wherever he was needed and joining in community events. He loved meeting new people and making friends. He never lost his thirst for knowledge. After losing his wife, Charlie found comfort joining a widows support group. He was the only man in the group where he found support and acceptance. He had a deep and enduring love for his family.

Charles leaves behind those who remember and cherish him with warmth and love: his son Derek Robert Buchal of Norman, Oklahoma, his daughter Jennifer Lynn Dodson of Lake George, NY, his grandsons, Dustin Michael Dunkley of Lake George, Charles Calvin Buchal of Norman, Oklahoma, his sisters, Louise Earl of Lima Center, Michigan, Penni Buchal of North Branch, NY, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father John “Jack” and Maude Buchal, and his brother Warren “Bub” Earl.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In his memory, donations can be made in his name to The Tri-County Literacy Center, Inc., 251 Glen St., Glen Falls, NY 12801.