WATERTOWN, NY — John H. “Jack” Charlebois, 86, Watertown, passed away Sunday evening, Jan. 1, 2023, at Samaritan Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born April 14, 1936, in Watertown, the son of Harold “Sonny” and Margaret E. “Betty” Patterson Charlebois. He was a 1954 graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy and received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clarkson College in 1958.
On Nov. 9, 1963, he married Mary J. DeFranco at Holy Family Church.
Jack was a Highway Designer for New York State Department of Transportation, Watertown and retired after almost 40 years of service to the State.
The couple spent 11 years in Green Valley, AZ, where he was a member of the Woodworking Club of Green Valley. Jack made beautiful inlaid wood bowls and toys and enjoyed volunteering for the White Elephant in Arizona, a thrift store and charity. They then moved to Fredericksburg, VA, for five years before returning to the north country eight years ago.
He was a former communicant of Holy Family Church and currently attended Immaculate Conception Church, Brownville.
Along with his wife, Mary, Jack is survived by his two children, Denise Huzil and husband Richard, Springfield, VA, and John D. Charlebois and wife Andrea, Watertown; five grandchildren, Maria Brundage and husband, Josh, Dylan Maney-Turner, and Tylar, Kadyn, and Addyson Charlebois; a great-grandson, Nolan Brundage and a great-granddaughter on the way, Mia Charlebois; brother Gary W. Charlebois and wife Ann, Watertown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A grandson, Eastyn Rae Charlebois, died in August 2005.
A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, in Glenwood Cemetery. There will be no calling hours or funeral service.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.
online condolences to John’s family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Michelle DeFranco Nursing Scholarship, c/o Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St., Watertown, NY 13601.
