SHERBURNE – Charles Pike, 41, of Sherburne, passed away Thursday afternoon, Aug. 2, 2007 in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Cooperstown after a long illness.
The son of George W. and Arlene (Salisbury) Pike, Charlie was born in Norwich in 1965. Following his years in the Norwich schools, he attended Hudson Valley Community College for a year before going to work for Victory Markets in Norwich. At the time Victory closed its doors, Charlie returned to school, attending Mohawk Valley Community College and obtaining his degree in welding. He worked as a welder for Carrier Corporation of Syracuse, then spent 11 years in the employ of Ferris Industries of Munnsville, where he was Freight and Shipping Manager. Charlie wanted to be successful in everything he did and took his work very seriously, even keeping in touch with the office during his vacations. He carried this ethic into every facet of his life. Very devoted to his family, Charlie loved spending time with them and especially following his son’s sports activities. Charlie himself was an avid stock car racer, a passion that grew from the time his father raced and his older brother. Ray, had a racing team. Charlie began driving for Ray’s team on the weekends and continued for the next 19 years, until his health curtailed the activity.
On April 1, 1989, in Norwich, Charlie married Sherry Curtis. He is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years. Sherry Pike of Sherburne; by his mother, Arlene Pike of Norwich; his children, Rachael Curtis and Christopher Pike; his brother, Ray Pike of Norwich, and nephew Jan-Michael Curtis, currently stationed in North Carolina. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki and Larry Shafer, brother-in-law Rick Curtis, and mother-in-law. Sandy Curtis. Charlie was predeceased by his dad, George Pike, and his brother, Martin Pike.
Funeral services for Charlie will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Mitch Mullenax will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Charlie’s family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.