Charles “Charlie” Duane Scofield, 93, passed away on April 18, 2020 at A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta from complications of COPD.  He was born in Otsego County and dedicated his life to the service of the residents of his home county for many decades.

According to his official obituary, Charlie was born in Otego, September 26, 1926, the son of Charles E. and Dorothy (Hamilton) Scofield. He lived most of his childhood on a farm in Otego and going to school there. He joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served for three years. Upon discharge in 1947, he married Isabel Davis and they moved to Schenevus in 1949, where they raised their four children. They were married for 63 years.

Charlie started working for the New York Telephone Company in 1947 where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1982. He was presented the New York Telephone Company Good Neighbor Award for outstanding community service in 1967. He was a past life member and club president of the Retired Telephone Pioneers.

When Charlie was not busy at work or around home, you were apt to find him at his “second home”, the firehouse, working or playing cards. He joined the Schenevus Fire Department in 1950, and was named Otsego County Fireman of the year in 1977. He also served as Fire Chief for many years and Fire Commissioner. He was one of the many firemen injured at the D&H train derailment and explosion on February 12, 197

He was one of the last surviving charter members and organizer of the Schenevus-Maryland Emergency Squad. He was an active member of 50 years, also serving as a first aid instructor and EMT. He was an honorary member of both the Schenevus Fire Department and Schenevus-Maryland Emergency Squad.

Charlie was also involved in many other community services: The Schenevus Central School Board for 16 years, 50-year member of the American Legion, 50-year member of the VFW; member of the Schenevus Rotary, and worked with the Boy Scouts of America (Troop 18), and many others. He was awarded the DAR (Iroquois Chapter) Community Service Award in 2019.

For more on the life of Charlie Scofield, as well as funeral arrangements, visit the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home website in Schenevus for details.

 

More From Mix 103.9