Obituary of Charles Erwin Henchen

Wayland/Dansville – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charles E. Henchen, “Buddy”, 78 years of age, who passed away peacefully at his home Monday April 7, 2025. Buddy was born December 10, 1946 in Rochester NY, the son of Charles F. and Melba (Kuhn) Henchen. His family moved to Wayland NY when he was two, and he remained in the Wayland/Dansville area for the remainder of his life. Buddy graduated from Wayland Central School and often boasted about his skill on the soccer team (although no video exists). He also had very fond memories of his Babe Ruth baseball days where they were the Champions of District 14. After finishing High School he entered the United States Army where he served proudly, while jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. He was a Paratrooper in the 508th Infantry Airborne stationed at Fort Kobbe on the Panama Canal. He served his country honorably from May 11, 1966 until his honorable discharge May 8, 1968. Buddy worked for RGE for 35 years; 27 of them as a lineman, then moved into the office until his retirement. Buddy had many hobbies and a great love for the outdoors. He enjoyed going to the Dansville Rod-n-Gun Club; hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, metal detecting, golf, and gardening (albeit not weeding!) He also enjoyed scuba diving with a dream of becoming an underwater treasure hunter (Mel Fisher would’ve loved this guy!) He loved going to his grandchildren’s events and was their biggest fan. He also enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews pursue their passions. He was a master cook and loved to impress his family with his grilling talent, even winning a BBQ contest against professional BBQ teams. Buddy was a kind and incredibly generous man, always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He was strong willed and stubborn at times, but its’s those qualities that gave him the ability to face any obstacle that got in his way, and the strength to fight his never-ending battle with cancer. Buddy was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles and Melba Henchen; his brother in law, Jeff Horr; he is survived by his companion of 35 years, Barbara Carone of Dansville; his children, Christine (Joseph) Angora of Dansville, Charles “Scott” Henchen (Paige Manciocchi) of Dansville and Matthew (Samantha) Henchen of VT; his grandchildren, Taylor, Joseph, Brooke, Justin, Linzee, Briaunna, Amber ,Charles “Brady,” Tanner, Naomi and Mason; his siblings, Donald (Irene) Henchen of Dansville, Mary Kay Horr of Dansville, Carole (Ron) Houck of IL, Bill (Debra) Henchen of Wayland, Richard Henchen of Wayland ad Susan (Steve) Cotton of MS; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition he is survived by Barbara’s 3 daughters and their children, Laura (Carl) Cherwek and their daughter Alayna, Karen (Sully) Sullivan and their children Beverly and Jack, and Christine Carone. Buddy’s family and friends may call Friday April 18, 2025 from 4-7pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. His funeral service will be Saturday April 19, 2025 at the funeral home at 11am. Committal prayers, military honors and interment will take place immediately following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Wayland. Contributions in memory of Charles E. “Buddy” Henchen may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.