Obituary of Charles McDonnell

Charles (Chuck/Camel) F. McDonnell, 78, of Ashville, NY, passed away after a brief illness Monday, August 14, 2023, in the Star Hospice House. He was born on July 19, 1945, in Jamestown, NY, the son of the late Charles W. and Marian Halladay McDonnell. Chuck was a 1963 graduate of Panama Central High School where he played football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and track & field. Following high school, he continued his education at SUNY Buffalo where he earned his bachelor's degree in Geography. After college graduation, he served in the US Navy from November 1968 until November 1972. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Chautauqua County as an administrator for employment and training from 1973 to 1994. After retirement, he held various positions in retail and grocery stores, most notably Farm Fresh Foods where he worked as an office manager and accountant right up until the onset of his illness. Chuck was an original incorporator and lifelong member of the Lower Lake Area Men's Association (LLAMA) Club where he served in every officer position and was on the Board of Directors. He was also a founding member of the Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters where he held every leadership position as well. Chuck was a member of the Ashville Methodist Church He played in various softball leagues over the years and thoroughly enjoyed fishing and kayaking on Chautauqua Lake. He loved attending auctions and was an avid collector of Zippo lighters and camel memorabilia. Chuck is survived by his sister Barbara (Ed) Trisket, stepson Michael Sheffield (Carrie Tredo), his nieces and nephew: Amy (Bill) Caldwell, Scott (Wendy) Trisket, Amanda (Todd) Kolstee, 7 great nieces and nephews: Emily (Travis) Gabriel, Marissa (Tom) Eckman, Patrick (Kayla) Caldwell, Jacob Caldwell (Kendall Covington), Caleb Caldwell (Elysa Meekins), McKenna Kolstee, and Matthew Kolstee, as well as seven great great nieces and nephews, several cousins, and he was a great friend to many. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Susan Sheffield, who passed away on February 6, 2011. Friends and family will be received at Lind Funeral Home on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 18, 2023, in the Lind Funeral Home and visitation will be available for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Grant Cemetery in Niobe. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Star Hospice House located at 20 W. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, NY 14750.