Charles L. “Charlie” Bill, 87, of Arkport, NY entered into rest suddenly on Thursday (Jan. 22, 2026).
Born in Naples, NY on Feb. 12, 1938 he was one of 12 children born to the late Harold and Jennie (Wheaton) Bill. On October 1, 1976 he was married at the North Cohocton Presbyterian Church to his soulmate and best friend, Kathleen D. “Kathy” (Snowden) Bill and they were blessed with nearly 50 years of marriage.
During his younger years Charlie grew up in North Cohocton, NY and graduated from Wayland Central School in 1957 and was a member and former Chief of the Atlanta Hatch Hose Company. After graduating, he became employed with the former Guy Bennett Buick in Wayland, NY as an auto technician. In 1977 he began his employment with the former Elsenheimer Chevrolet in Hornell retiring in 2003.
He and Kathy have resided in Arkport since 1977 and together for the past 50 years they owned and operated C & K Bill Fire Extinguisher Service.
Throughout his life Charlie loved railroads, trains, reading old newspapers about local history and was interested in his family tree. He was a very talented photographer and especially enjoyed maintaining their pristine property in Arkport and growing beautiful flower and vegetable gardens; he was known for growing the best tomatoes. He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, the NY Yankees and the New York Knicks.
Charlie will be remembered for being a man of few words and for always being prepared to help anyone in need. He taught by example and passed his strong work ethics on to his beautiful family who he loved to spend time with, especially his grandchildren.
He and Kathy were instrumental in forming the “Let’s Dance Club” and enjoyed being members for 23 years.
Charlie is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Kathy; four children, Deborah (Paul) Drozdziel of Avon, NY, Jeffrey (Cassandra) Cooper of Arkport, Kristine Bill (Scot Lance) of Middlebury Center, PA and Thomas (Joannah) Bill of Arkport; nine grandchildren, Brittany, Brenton, Stephanie, Jackson, Marrisa, Mason, Sophie, Kendall and Jacob; four great-grandchildren, Arabella, Cassius, Elliana and Cyrus; his beloved dog, Lena; as well as two other daughters, one son and several grandchildren.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by six sisters and five brothers.
Calling hours are 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. FRIDAY (Jan. 30, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Arkport Community Church, 15 Main St., where a funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. SATURDAY (Jan. 31, 2026), with the Rev. Bruce Incze officiating. Private committal services and interment will be at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.
Those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 (envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Charlie’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Charlie are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
