Obituary of Charles R. Conti

Charles Richard Joseph Conti of Neversink (formerly of Elmont, NY), passed peacefully from this world to eternal life on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 18 at his home.  
Charles was born to his loving parents, Charles and Harriet (Tague) Conti on February 13, 1948, in Mineola, NY.  He spent a happy, and rather mischievous childhood, growing up in Elmont with his siblings Diann, Debbie and Ronnie.  From a very early age, Charles could often be found getting himself into mischief.  From painting the family dog green, to getting behind the wheel of his father’s brand-new car at the age of 3, releasing the emergency brake and crashing it into the carport, Charles was never one to shy away from an “adventure”.  
Charles spent his life working to provide for the needs of his family, making many sacrifices along the way.  He had an incredible work ethic, beginning at the age of 12 at his cousins’ automotive shop, pumping gas and cleaning windshields, and after completing the automotive program at Sewanhaka High School, performing mechanical work.  He admired anyone who worked hard, no matter what their line of work.  He often said, “An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay” was noble and honorable.  He worked for a time at Gertz delivering furniture, often up several flights of stairs in the high-rise buildings of Manhattan. Finally, Charles found his true niche, working for Local 282, beginning as a concrete truck driver throughout NYC, working his way up and retiring as a foreman. He was proud to say that he was involved in the building of the World Trade Center.  He was asked to serve as the Union Representative for Local 282 because of his no-nonsense “straight shooter” attitude, never afraid to stand up and speak out on any issue. 
Charles’ true love was his family.  On October 4, 1970, he married Dorothy Rottkamp. Their married life began on Murray Hill in Elmont and just a few years later, they built their family home in Grahamsville where they would raise their two daughters.  While their marriage ended in divorce, Dottie and Charlie remained friends, always striving to put their children first by putting aside any differences they had for the well-being of their daughters.  Mom and Dad, thank you for that incredible gift.  Dad often said that his children and grandchildren were his whole world.  His greatest joy was spending time with us, especially at one of his famous ‘barbecues’ in PA or at one of our many family dinners.  He loved us and we loved him right back.
While he may not have worn it on his sleeve, Charles was a man of deep Christian faith. He would often lead prayer at family dinners, telling his Lord, Jesus Christ that he loved Him and needed Him.  He often shared with his family that he was unafraid to die, because he had great hope in the Resurrection.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Lisa Conti Malone and her husband Tom of Grahamsville, and their son Mason, and his daughter Christy Conti Hernandez and her husband, Pedro of Liberty, and their children Matthew, Grace, Christian, Maria, Pedro, Joseph and Robert. He is also survived by his sister Diann and her husband Otto, his sister Debbie and her husband Rocco, and his brother Ronnie and his wife, Linda.  He also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.  Charles enjoyed spending the winters at his second home in Largo, FL and many summer days at his vacation home in Milford, PA.  He leaves behind many neighbors in both communities who will miss him greatly.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday, July 23 at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY 12788. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am on Monday, July 24 at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 264 North Main Street, Liberty, NY 12754. Father Ed Bader will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, 111 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590.

Charles shared with his daughters how blessed he was and how fortunate he felt to always have been able to provide for his family.  He said he wanted to express that gratitude by helping others in need.  He had a particular concern for those who did not have enough to eat.  As such, those wishing to make a donation in Charles’ memory are asked to consider St. Peter’s Church, 264 North Main Street, Liberty, NY 12754, where there is a Food Pantry to help those in the community facing food insecurity.  Charles also supported Shriner’s Hospital for Children and St. Jude’s Research Center.   We thank you for honoring our father in this way.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.