Mr. Charles T. "Chuck" Ellixson IV

WHITESBORO – Mr. Charles T. “Chuck” Ellixson IV, age 52, passed away due to an unforeseen cardiac condition on Thursday, July 25, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, precious daughter, and close family. Born in New Hartford on May 17, 1972, Charles was the son of Charles T. Ellixson III and his stepmother, Shawn (McCabe) Ellixson. He also knew the love and guidance of his stepfather, John P. Amodio, and his wife, Deborah. Chuck attended Seymour Elementary School in North Utica and was a graduate of Utica Senior Academy/Class of 1990. He furthered his education at M.V.C.C., earning an associate degree in criminal justice and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in sociology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. During his formative years, he worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital as a security officer. He was also close with his stepdad, John, who affectionally referred to him as “Chowie” working in his auto business as well performing landscaping duties. He also assisted his father-in-law at C&S Food Distribution Co. Chuck's hard work ethic and educational achievements positioned him to embark on an energizing and inspiring career in corrections. He began at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, then moved to Woodbourne Correctional Facility, and later worked in S-Block at Marcy Correctional Facility. In 2003, Chuck transferred to Mohawk Correctional Facility, then onto Midstate Correctional Facility, where he held the position of Sergeant for a period of time before returning to Mohawk Correctional where he retired on August 26, 2022. His career was filled with a love for “the brotherhood,” and he deeply valued the relationships formed throughout his service. After numerous years of dating Jennifer L. Wood, they were married on August 28, 1999. Charles aka "Honey" was her everything; they grew up together and were the best of friends. He possessed strength, perseverance, and his golden heart was huge ~ Jen knew she had a dependable and loving husband. He was devoted to and doted over his family; his wife admired the many acts of kindness that he offered from his soul. He was her rock and everything she could ask for in a man. The couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Gabriella. Chuck was a proud father from the moment he found out about her conception. She was loved before birth. Gabriella has the same personality traits as her father, his physical features, humor and sarcasm, sociability, and affection for people. Chuck truly loved his daughter and would either call her "peanut" and or more recently “buddy.” Gabriella’s sporting events were always attended by her dad, especially softball games. They shared many common bonds, and especially enjoyed fishing together in Forestport. That together time was so precious. Chuck had a passion for dogs especially his French Bulldog “girlfriend” Marla, German Shephard Kane and his newest addition, his Rottweiler Axel. So many dogs filled his home, and each of them were loved and energizing. He was masterful in speaking with breeders about the animals' lineage. He avidly participated in dog shows up and down the east coast. These times were shared with his wife, daughter, and close friends. Although he had a professional handler, Gabriella was his top handler and presenter. Chuck was so proud of Gabby’s boyfriend, Dawson Mower. Chuck often said Dawson was such a great man and was the “calm in Gabby’s storm;” the perfect partner for his daughter. He was so honored that Dawson could be trusted to care for his baby. Gabby did no wrong in Chuck’s eyes, even if he witnessed it! Chuck was a gifted conversationalist, and his “brothers” were his most important friends. Rick Cianfrocco was his first and closest friend outside of the family; he was Chuck’s best man at he and Jennifer’s wedding and was later selected to be Gabby’s godfather. Then came Chris Steeper and his wife Lisa who had been Jennifer’s best friend. Chris was his “true brother” and they were often found doing everything together. Chris has been the most valuable person in Chuck’s life. They always stood up for each other no matter what. Chuck and his “cousin” Anthony Aceto, grew up together and were best friends. They were very special to one another through thick and thin and developed a life-long unbreakable bond. Additional treasured friends include Trevor Wilson, who goes way back with Chuck and his wife as a couple; as well as Rob Carter (his “work husband”) and his wife Amber Carter. Rob broke Chuck out of his shell at work and their connection slowly developed into a true friendship. Please appreciate that so many more friends filled his life, but it would be remiss not to mention the above comradeship. Chuck was a proud member of the N.Y.S. Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, the Corrections Emergency Response Team #8, and was a former affiliate of the Whitesboro Fire Department. He began practicing karate at the age of 14 which he excelled at. He enjoyed the sports of fishing and golfing and the serenity of the outdoors during hunting season! Chuck loved sports and had many passions including being a being a Dallas Cowboys fan. He had a solid and endearing connection with his wife’s grandfather, the late Arfe DiStefano; they had a relationship like no other in his life and so much wisdom was learned and received from Arfe. Being part of a large family, he was in for all of it: the holidays, birthdays, special occasions, and togetherness. He had a love for cucumber salad which he could eat every day, as well as pasta, Chinese takeout, and McDonalds in Yorkville where a large fry and a large blue Fanta was his typical order, day or night. Chuck was raised Catholic and had a personal relationship with his God. He was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. Chuck is survived by his soulmate, Jennifer; daughter, Gabriella Ellixson and Dawson Mower; father, Charles T. Ellixson III, and his stepmother, Shawn; "step-poppie," John P. Amodio and his wife, Deborah; sisters, Morgan Ellixson-Boyea, and Valerie Ellixson; and stepsister, Angela Marie Amodio. He fondly remembered his stepbrother, John Joseph Amodio, who passed away on September 16, 2022. He additionally leaves his memory to his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mert and Roseanne Wood; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, René and Sean Carone; nephews, Edwin Ellixson, John Carone, Michael Carone, and Luca Carone; aunts and uncles, Susan and Raymond Testa, Donna and Tim Toussaint, Fred and Lisa DiStefano, Michelene “Michie” and Earl Johnson, Cynthia and Herb Jerred, Paul and Annick Phillips, and Walter and Roseanne Krzemien; and many cousins. Chuck was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Paul L. and Betty Phillips; 3 maternal grandmothers, Antoinette Krzemien who raised him, as well as Josephine Carbone, and Celestine M. Scottelaro; uncles, Logan Ellixson, and John Sullivan; and his wife's grandparents who he adored, Armando V. "Arfe" and Pauline (Morgia) DiStefano. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Naji El Khoury and his nurse practitioner Kari Ruia, Philip T. Dontino, DC, and all of the first responders including the Whitesboro Fire Department, Whitestown Police, and COVAC. A special thank you as well to Sheena Burger for all her care, love, and support. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Charles’ Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Interment will be held privately in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Charles T. "Chuck" Ellixson IV

May 17, 1972 - July 25, 2024