Charles Edward Weissend, passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2025, at the age of 71 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Charlie spent the last week of his life cruising with the love of his life, Cindy and son, Jeff. One of his happiest places was in the hot tub on a Carnival Ship with Jeff. Family was a driving force for Charlie's life. As a humble man, he lived to support his family and serve his state and country. Charlie's legacy is not just that of professional accomplishments and community involvement, but most importantly as a dedicated family man.

Charlie was born on July 31, 1954, in Rochester, NY, to Bruce and Betty Weissend and grew up in Victor, NY. In 1974, Charlie married his high school sweetheart and one true love, Cindy. Together, they raised two wonderful children and began a beautiful life that would take them around the world and connect them with experiences and people they never expected.

Charlie retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt/E-8) after 36 years of combined USAF active-duty service and in the NY Air National Guard. He deployed many times with his unit to Greenland and Antarctica, as well as for many other state-side missions, most notably in support of recovery operations in NYC in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, and to Columbia in support of the anti-narcotics trade. Among many other awards, Charlie received the USAF Air Commendation Medal in recognition of his exemplary service.

Charlie had the honor of volunteering with Special Olympics for over 40 years. First drawn to the organization to support the athleticism of his son Jeff, Charlie was quickly motivated by all of the athletes and the volunteers he had met over the years. Charlie was the Area 38 Special Olympics coordinator for a number of years and coached various sports including bowling, track & field, golf, and basketball. Most importantly, Charlie's commitment to the Special Olympics was inspired by all of the amazing athletes he knew over the years. The athletes were always a profound inspiration to Charlie.

After they retired, Charlie and Cindy embarked upon a life of travel. Over the next 25 years, they toured the world. Their wanderlust extended to all corners of the globe which included but wasn't limited to: New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, a transpacific Cruise, and countless Caribbean Cruises.

Charlie also enjoyed volunteering his welding skills at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville and was newly volunteering with the Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Rotterdam Community Center.

Charlie was a member of American Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua, NY and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; two children, Jeffrey Weissend and Sara Lewis (Todd), granddaughter Liz Lewis, all of Rotterdam, NY; brothers John (Cheryl) Weissend (AZ), Andy (Lynn) Weissend, (VA), Patrick (Peggy) Weissend (Corfu, NY), and Mark (Lisa) Weissend (PA); sisters Norma Weissend (Guy McLean) (Canandaigua, NY), and Mary (Marty) Nichols (VA), 15 nieces and nephews (Shawn, BJ, Heidi, Mary, Crystal, Hannah, Jack, Laura, Clara, Wiley, LeAnne, Megan, Adam, Kate, and Anna), 14 grand-nieces and nephews (Ava, Parker, Aubrey, AJ, Jaxson, Liam, JJ, Trip, Cooper, River, Harper, Lachlan, Rowan, and Peter), and a multitude of many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Bruce and Betty Weissend, sister Amy Weissend, nephew Michael Weissend, parents-in-law Linwood and Diane Russell, and brother-in-law Mark Russell.

Join us for a Celebration of Charlie's Life at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 2850 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady NY 12306 on Sunday January 25, 2026, at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Charlie's name to either: • Special Olympics – NY, 94 New Karner Rd, Suite #208, Albany, NY 12203 • Rotterdam Community Center, 705 Curry Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306