Charles F. Srnka of 6352 Iradell Road, Trumansburg passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at the age of 60 with his wife and daughters at his side.                                                                                                                                     
Born on February 2, 1947 in Ithaca, Chuck was a son of Charles and Lottie Davenport Srnka.  He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1965. Chuck received his BS degree in Wildlife Biology in 1969 from Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where he was a member of the Agriculture honorary Fraternity, Alpha Zeta.  He later received his MS degree in Education from Cortland State while teaching 9th grade science, and later 7th grade biology at Boynton Junior High School.
In 1978 Chuck embarked on a career in estate and financial planning. Equipped with extensive knowledge, gained in the intensive coursework required for his “Chartered Financial Consultant” designation, and a genuine interest in helping his clients realize financial comfort in their retirement years, Chuck was a natural in the investment arena. Concern for his client’s well-being was paramount and the respected business relationships he established often developed into trust-filled, warm friendships. Chuck often commented to his family about how fortunate he was to enjoy a career where he considered each work day as a day spent visiting with friends. Anyone who knew Chuck could easily verify those sentiments by the beaming, caring smile that Chuck so willingly shared with all.
Charitable endeavors were an important part of Chuck’s life. He founded the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Shooting Sports Program which introduces youth and adults to the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, providing valuable vocational and life-long recreational education.  Combined with this, Chuck was also a Hunter Safety Instructor for many years. While a member of the Ithaca Kiwanis Club he helped pioneer the “Woodchips” fundraiser which has become the club’s most successful annual project. He was also a member of the Cayuga Lake Beagle Club and the Tompkins County Fish & Game Club.
An avid outdoorsman, Chuck’s happiest memories were of playing on his tractor, splitting wood, garage sales, and most of all hunting and watching his dogs work rabbits and birds. He also appreciated the peaceful view of the fields and woods behind his home and the serenity of Cayuta Lake, with Connecticut Hill as a backdrop, as viewed from the front lawn of his cottage.
In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by a brother, David and a sister, Susan. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, of 37 years; two daughters, who he was enormously proud of, Tori (Erik) Hartman of Vail, CO and Carrie Srnka of Trumansburg, extended loving family and countless heavy-hearted friends.
The family will be present to receive their friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg on Friday, May 4, 2007 from 6-8 pm.
A Memorial service and Celebration of Chuck’s life will be held in the Pavilion of the Hillendale Golf Course, 218 N. Applegate Rd., Ithaca on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Chuck’s memory to kindly consider The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 401 N. Salina St., Learbury Centre, Suite 304, Syracuse, NY 13203, Hospice of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or a charity of the donor’s preference.
For additional information please call the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted by: Joseph L. Sibley, Director