Charles E. Dafoe, Sr.

PORT LEYDEN, NY ~ Charles E Dafoe Sr., 85, passed away May 6, 2023 after a long battle with dementia and a short battle with cancer.

Charlie was born April 8, 1938, the only child of Luella McBroom and Hugh Dafoe. Orphaned at a young age, Charlie was raised by his grandparents, Leo and Carrie McBroom and received his education at the Star Lake Central School.

In his younger years, Charlie was known for his fast cars and road racing. In 1958, he married the love of his life Christine Bango. The couple were blessed with four children and spent most of their young married life in the Star Lake and Harrisville area. In 1968, Charlie became employed by Burrows Paper Corporation in Lyonsdale, New York. His road racing skills allowed him to drive from Harrisville to Lyonsdale to maintain his job. In 1974 as the gas prices soared to $.50 a gallon, is when the young couple made the difficult decision to move their family closer to Charlie’s place of employment to their home on Canal Street in Port Leyden. This cozy house became the family homestead, enjoying many family gatherings, picnics, and holidays. In 2000, after 32 years, Charlie retired from Burrows Paper Corporation. He enjoyed being retired; you could find him at the local coffee shops, playing ‘taxi service’ to his grandchildren, traveling to Harrisville and Star Lake ‘for breakfast’, and spending time with his family. Charlie always had a crazy story to share.

He is survived by Louella Highers (Gig) of Lowville and Leesburg FL, her children Nicholas (Port Leyden) and Eric (Mandi) Highers (Carthage), Nick’s children Owen, Aidan and Addison Highers. Eric’s children Hali, Dylan, and Gracie Highers. Hali blessed Charlie with a great, great grandson Beckett.  Charles Jr. (Julie) and their children Chelsea and Lucas. Chelsea’s daughters Kyra and Emma; Lucas’s daughter Aerilyn all of Port Leyden. Tina Sullivan (Port Leyden) her children Carrie Callaghan (Turin) and Andrew (Laura) Sullivan (Erie, CO), Carrie’s children McKenna and Jacob, and Andrew’s daughter, Riley. Paul (Renea) his daughter Ashley (Anthony) DeSantis, their daughter Arayna (Port Leyden). Carter, his daughter, Emberely and Paul Jr (Makayla) his daughter Makenna. He is also survived by two aunts Laura Sharlette (Oneida) and Alice Flint (Carthage),  one brother in law William Bango (Joanne) of Harrisville,  sisters in laws Nancy Murray (Constantia), Joyce Bango, Pauline Luther & Emma Miller ( all of Harrisville),  and Tina Bango (Lyons Falls), several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Christine, of 56 years, he was also predeceased by a daughter-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, several brothers and sisters-in-law, and many friends.

Per Charlie’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Committal Service on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Harrisville Community Cemetery, in Harrisville, where he will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, with Retired Rev. Bruce W. Chapman, officiating.

Immediately following Charlie’s committal service, a “Get-Together” will take place at the Harrisville Fire Hall.  For those wishing, items of food may be left at the fire hall anytime after 8:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charlie’s name to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or Lewis County Humane Society.

The family would like to thank the Lewis County Health Care Facility for the wonderful care they provided to Charlie.

Arrangements are with Scanlon Funeral Home, Harrisville.

Messages of sympathy may be made at www.scanlonfuneral.com

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