Jeffrey Alan Charboneau

Jeffrey Alan Charboneau, 70, of Syracuse, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after an unexpected decline in his health.

Born in Schenectady, Jeffrey lived in Altamont, Endwell, Syracuse, Somers, and Wilmington, DE, at various times before returning to Syracuse in 1990. He graduated from West Genesee High School, where he played male leads in school musicals; sang solos with the school’s orchestra, concert band, and mixed chorus; and was a proud member of the Wildcats Marching Band.

Jeffrey was accepted into the SUNY Fredonia music department, where he studied opera and performed for several years in Fredonia and at the Lake George Opera Company, now Opera Saratoga, in Saratoga Springs. Also a gifted writer and editor, he eventually graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a B.A. in English literature and later received an M.A. in Print and Online Journalism from Syracuse University.

Jeffrey enjoyed a long career in communications and marketing. For more than 12 years, he worked at Syracuse University’s Campus Communications Services, first as the editor of Syracuse University Magazine and later as executive director. He also worked at Literacy Volunteers of America and VIP Structures in Syracuse, among others; as a research editor at Reader’s Digest in Westchester; and his freelance articles appeared in The New York Times, Cape Cod Magazine, and other national publications.

Jeffrey received many press awards for his writing and was recognized by Syracuse University for overseeing the re-creation of Syracuse University Magazine. His accomplishments were a source of personal pride, but he was never boastful and remained humble about his achievements.

A lover of nature and the ocean, Jeffrey was a regular visitor to Cape Cod, MA, and an avid blue-ribbon gardener who cared for exotic houseplants along with many pampered pets. He was also part of the Court Busters volleyball team and was the first to trace his family’s Charboneau roots through Quebec and back to France.

Jeffrey was a beloved son, brother, and uncle. He held a positive attitude and loving appreciation for family and friends throughout his life and in his final hours.

Jeffrey was predeceased by his parents, Norman James Charboneau, in 2012, and Margaret Laurence “Peg” Charboneau, in 2018, both of Camillus.

Surviving are his siblings, Amy (Kevin) Williamson of Port Byron, Carol Charboneau of Camillus, Mark (Pat) Charboneau of Fayetteville, and Molly Charboneau of Sunnyside, Queens; eight nieces and nephews; seven great-nieces and a great-nephew; and several cousins.

A celebration of life will be held by his family at a later date.

Private inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, 482 Main St., Dennis, MA 02638, or at https://apcc.org/get-involved/donate/