Charles Joseph Gesing

An area resident since 1980, he was born Aug. 9, 1944, in Oil City, Pa. the son of the late Anthony and Dominica Lasiewicz Gesing.

He was a 1962 graduate of Oil City High School and attended Long Beach City College in Long Beach, Calif. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1963 until 1967 aboard the USS Valley Forge.

From 1980 until his retirement in 2013, he was employed at SKF Aerospace Industries and served as vice president of United Auto Workers Union Local 338. Through his tireless work with the union, Charles was presented the Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award on Aug. 2, 2006.

He was currently a board member of Affinity One Federal Credit Union, a past member of the United Way board from 1999 until 2004, and a former co-president of the SWCS Soccer Boosters.

When his sons were growing up, Charles coached their baseball and soccer teams, was involved with Boy Scouts, and also built soccer goals for Packard Field in Lakewood. That dedication to family has carried over to his three grandsons. He loves them dearly and never missed one of their soccer games, wrestling matches, or baseball games.

Charles is survived by his wife, Jane Ahlgren Gesing, whom he married Oct. 28, 1972; two sons: Benjamin Charles Gesing of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Joshua James (Amanda) Gesing of Lakewood; three grandsons: Tucker Charles Gesing, Jonas Anthony Gesing, and Calvin James Gesing, all of Lakewood; a sister, Patricia (Timothy) Partello of Gansevoort, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Martha David of Sand Springs, Okla.; and a niece, Kristine (Dean) Ekeren of Littleton, Colo.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Anthony Gesing.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701 to support youth soccer programs.

You may leave a condolence at www.lindfuneral home.com.