Sones, Charles "Charlie"  "Todd"

Ontario:

Many employees, retirees, families and graduates of the Wayne Central School District were saddened to learn of the passing on Monday, June 13,  2016 of a former coach, teacher, principal, school board member, recreation leader and accomplished golfer, Charles J. "Charlie" Sones of Ontario, New York.  He had resided at the Monroe Community Hospital, in Henrietta, for the past few years. He is survived by his wife, Blanche; daughter, Wendy Sones, of Ontario; son, Todd Sones, of Vernon Hills, Illinois; and daughter, Beth (Robert) Zecca of Chatsworth, Georgia; grandchildren Ashley, Wesley, CJ and Owen Sones,  Adam (Alexa) Grinnell, and Sarah (Rev. Greg) Anglen; great-grandchildren Olivia, Delilah and Geoffrey Anglen,  Aiden and Skylar Grinnell; extended family and many friends.

Charlie retired in June of 1984 after 3 years teaching junior high social studies and 24 years as middle school principal in the Wayne Central School District. He and his beloved wife Blanche, who would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in September, 2016,  moved to Ontario in the summer of 1957.

Charlie served in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean Conflict and was discharged as a staff sergeant.  He was a gunner on B-26 Invaders and served in Goose Bay, Labrador as well as numerous stateside bases. Blanche recalled photos, which Charlie proudly displayed, of he and his buddies sitting on an "A" bomb from their plane.

He was hired by the late Thomas C. Armstrong,  supervising principal at Wayne Central School District, on August 15, 1957, to teach junior high social studies and coach the track team. He began his career in the newly opened Wayne Central Junior and Senior School. Blanche recalls that his new job required teaching New York State history.  Charlie had been born, and raised, in  Pennsylvania .  he also found himself coaching the one sport in which he had the least experience. He later coached numerous athletic teams, including basketball. Charlie was named as vice-principal of the junior-senior high on April 8, 1965.  On July 1, 1966, Charlie was appointed as principal of the "new" middle school, which was to open in 1967, and dedicated in honor of Thomas C. Armstrong. He continued in that role for 24 years, retiring on June 13, 1984 with a total of 27 years of service to the Wayne Central School District.

Generations of local families were his former students. Former Ontario Town Supervisor Earl E. Casey hired Charlie as swim director and he managed the American Red Cross swim lessons for local children; first at Sodus Point and later at the ore beds at Casey Park as well as other sites. He and Blanche worked with the Special Olympics and accompanied children to the Wayne County Fair and other venues.The family home on Country Club Lane was a short "drive" to Ontario Golf Club, where Charlie was a member, officer and avid golfer. He was a member of the Ontario Baptist Church.

Charlie was born in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, near Williamsport. He had two brothers and four sisters.  Charlie received his bachelor's degree from Lock Haven (Pa) State College and a master's degree in school administration at the University of Rochester. Following retirement, he served 17 continuous years as a member of the Wayne Central Board of Education, including 5 years as school board president.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a time of visitation  on Thursday, June 16th, from 3:30 to 6:30PM, at the Living Word Assembly of God Church, 2344 Ridge Road in Ontario, NY 14519; where a   celebration of Charlie's life, including military honors, will be held on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 10AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Furnaceville Cemetery. Memorials in Charlie's name may be directed to the Heritage Square Museum, Ontario Historical Landmark and Preservation Society, PO Box 462, Ontario, NY 14519-0462.