Charles G. Reiner

Charles G. Reiner, 100, of Westvale, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Upstate University Hospital Community Campus. He grew up in Brighton, NY, outside of Rochester. Charles served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and was stationed on Tinian Island in the South Pacific. After the war, he graduated from Mechanics Institute (now RIT) with a degree in biomedical photography. Charles moved to Syracuse in 1953 with his wife, Dorothy, where he raised his family: Rick, Randi and Debbie.

Charles was hired by the VA Medical Center, three weeks after they opened the doors to serve veterans, and retired as chief of Medical Media Productions after 25 years. He kept busy as a school bus driver for Westhill Central School District for many years.

Chuck’s volunteer work is a legacy to be proud of. He volunteered for the American Red Cross, picking up blood from drives in the Syracuse area and transporting it to the Rochester and Watertown areas. Charles received the Red Cross Lifetime Service Award in 2007.

Since 1990, Charles volunteered for the Disabled American Veterans, driving the DAV van to transport patients from their homes to the VA for appointments. He finally turned in his van keys at age 95! He continued to volunteer at the VA Medical Center as a greeter. His total volunteer time over those 30 years added up to over 8200 hours.

Charles was a member and elder of Robinson Elmwood United Presbyterian Church and NARFE and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Charles was predeceased by his son, Richard, in 1997; and two infant grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 78 years, the former Dorothy Perkins; daughters, Randi (William) Rhinehart of Pittsford and Debra (John) Gehan of Westvale; daughter-in-law, Denise (Ron Cybyske) Reiner of Sunset Beach, NC; grandchildren, Jason (Carrie) Reiner of Catawba, NC, Kathleen (Nicholas) Sciortino of Buffalo, Patrick (Sarah Morris) Gehan of Buffalo, Jamie Rhinehart of Pittsford and Ethan (Hannah) Rhinehart of Columbus, OH; and great-grandchildren, Carson Reiner and Henry and Nora Sciortino.

Services will be private for family on Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m. To attend the live streamed service, please visit www.BuranichFH.com, click on Charles’ obituary and then click on the Tribute Wall. Burial will be in Pittsford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Robinson Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, 126 South Terry Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219 or to Heritage Christian Services, 275 Kenneth Dr., Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14623.