Charles Wilkinson, 79, of Cicero, joined his wife and oldest son in the arms of the Lord on Monday, June 23. He was born in Utica, NY to the late Carl and Agnes Wilkinson. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Betty Juliano in 1997 and son, Michael Wilkinson in 2001. Chuck leaves behind his son, Stephen (Karen) Wilkinson; daughter, Joanne (James) Bovee and daughter-in-law, Michelle Wilkinson. His life revolved around his family. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Stephen, Kathleen, Alyssa and Shannon Wilkinson of Liverpool; Sarah, Jonathan, Megan and Joshua Bovee of Myrtle Beach, SC; Michaela Wilkinson of Cary, NC; and Michael and Noah Wilkinson of Cicero, NY. He is also survived by two sisters, Joan (Ernie) Zumpano and Marilyn (Keith) Watson and several nieces and nephews. A graduate of Utica College, he retired from United Parcel Service after 31 years of service in Utica and Syracuse. Chuck was an avid golfer who was a member of the Oneida Community Golf Club, Sherrill and formerly at Kanon Valley Country Club, Oneida, Rogues Roost Golf and Country Club, Bridgeport and Radisson Greens Golf Club, Baldwinsville. Known for his compassion, generosity and sense of humor, Chuck had a way of making everyone he came in contact with feel special and important. He will be dearly missed by friends and family. The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Kenien and the CV Group for their outstanding care over the years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 28 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Cicero Church, with burial following in North Syracuse Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main St., North Syracuse.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard from June 25 to June 26, 2014