Obituary of Charles Ossit

Charles H. Ossit was born on March 1, 1939, and died at home on September 29, 2017, following his battle with heart and kidney disease. Charlie, a member of the Cortland High School Class of 1958, and a lifelong resident of Cortland, was the son of Harry and Vivian Ossit. He worked for Champion Sheet Metal in the 1970's and then worked for General Electric in Syracuse and in Schenectady, NY. He retired from General Electric in 2001. Charlie served in the US Navy from 1958-1960, and for a brief time, was a volunteer firefighter in Cortland. In his earlier years, Charlie could be seen out on the dance floor, doing the Jitterbug and Swing Dancing at weddings and family celebrations. He was very proud of his Grandkids, and loved watching the Yankees, the Giants, and the Orange--in that order! Charlie was also a Life Member of the Cortland Elks, 748. Charlie was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Alice (Pawlosky) Ossit, two infant sons—J. John Ossit and Christopher Ossit, and by his loyal furry friend, Jake. He is survived by a brother Francis (Fred) Ossit of Cortland, and by his two sons: Steven (Deborah) Ossit of Cortland and Kevin (Sheila) Ossit of Groton. Charlie is also survived by his six grandchildren: Christopher, Mariah Alice, and Ryan Ossit of Cortland and Zachary, Nathaniel, and Margaret (Maggie) Alicemarie Ossit of Groton. Charlie also leaves behind some very special people including Linda Stockton, Dick Bentley, John and Bonnie Toomey, and "The Aruba Travelers". Calling Hours will be held Wednesday, from 4-7pm at The Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. Burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held on Friday from 4-7pm at the Cortland Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Caring Community Hospice of Cortland or to the Cortland SPCA, in memory of Charlie. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gupta, Dr. McGurrin, Dr. Nardone, Dr. Cunningham, Hospice, and the many doctors and caregivers at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com