Obituary of Charles L. Renker, Jr.

On Sunday February 25^th Charles Renker Jr of Voorheesville NY passed away at the age of 83.

Charles or Charlie as he was referred to by family and friends was born on June 23 1940 in Brookline MA to his Parents Mary and Charles Renker Sr.  He was raised in Newton MA with his younger sister Jane Jordan where in 1958 he graduated from Newton Highschool. Shortly after graduating Charlie enlisted in the US Airforce in which he proudly served for 6 years.

In 1970 while working for a lumber yard in MA Charlie was transferred to Albany NY where his life would change for ever for the better. While in Albany Charlie met the love of his life in Susan Renker or Susie as he called her. The young couple was married in Feb 1972. They welcomed their first child Scott C. Renker in Aug 1972 and their youngest child Cheryl Soriano (Renker) in Jan 1977.

In 1983 the young family moved to what would become their new home in Voorheesville NY.  Shortly after arriving in the village Charlie joined what would soon become his second family the Voorheesville American legion post 1493. During his time there Charlie left an indelible mark in the community from holding rank as the commander of the post to more recently becoming the posts Chaplin. If you have attended the village Memorial Day parade at any point in the last few years you would have seen Charlie reading the names of the villages fallen soldiers. A job that was near and dear to his heart.  However, he will forever be remembered for starting and running the Legions annual community Thanksgiving dinner which continues to this day.

Charlie reached a lot of people of the years. If you spent any time in the village over the last 40 years you know doubt came across his path. Weather it was at the legion where you might find him playing darts or attending and event night or at the rod and gun club or a charity golf scramble. 

Charlie will be remembered for  his great personality and silly disposition. He was quick to make a joke and to hand out silly nicknames to those he loved. Some of his fondest memories where from doing just that with a group he belonged to called the Maple Ave Culture society or as some referred to it as the Maple Ave Crazy’s. The Society use to do lots of silly things to each other most notably pranking one another while on vacation. Once wrapping a members house in used wrapping paper or making Charlies lawn a make shift Christmas tree stand with their used trees with a sign that said free trees. Charlie had a huge smile on his face when he saw it. 

Charlie was a beloved husband and father. He loved his children and was extremely proud of all they accomplished and the adults they grew to become.  In 2010 he became a grandfather for the first time with the addition of his grandson Desmond and again in 2013 with grandson Oliver from his daughter and son in-law Cheryl and Matthew Soriano. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. 

In his spare time, you would either fine Charlie tending his vegetable garden or watching his beloved Red Soxs. He was a lifelong Sox fans.

Charlie was a tremendous part of our family and he will be missed.

Our family will be holding Calling Hours from 1- to 3:30pm  at the American Legion  in  Voorheesville located at 31 Voorheesville Ave Voorheesville, NY,12186. A Remembrance memorial will immediately follow at the same location.

In lieu of flowers the Family has asked that you consider donating to the Albany patriot flight in Charlies name. This can be done at https://patriotflight.org/