Mr. Charles C. "Charlie" Derwin

August 30, 1931 - March 27, 2015

Charles C. Derwin (Charlie), 83, of Johnstown, passed away on March 27, 2015 after courageously battling cancer for four years. Charlie was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church. Charlie was born in Schenectady, NY to the late Chester and Rose Derwin. When his family moved to Johnstown in 1941, he attended St. Patrick’s School. He then went on to Johnstown High School where he was the co-captain of his football team and the senior class president. After graduating in 1949, he joined the Air Force and was awarded a competitive appointment to West Point. Charlie went on to graduate from Albany State Teacher’s College in 1955. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Physics from Albany State Teacher’s College and a Master of Science Teaching Degree from Union College. On April 9, 1955 he married Madeline Chini, his wife of nearly 60 years. Charlie started teaching physics and chemistry at Fonda-Fultonville Central School and then went on to teach for 31 years at Johnstown High School where he also coached JV football, baseball and basketball. At Johnstown High School, Charlie was the science department chairman for several years, in addition to serving as the President of the Johnstown Teachers Association. He was also a writer of NYS Regents Examination questions in physics and earth science. In 1989, Charlie retired from Johnstown High School but his commitment to education and student growth continued for life. He served on the Johnstown Board of Education for 3 years and was an Adjunct Math Professor at Fulton Montgomery Community College for over 15 years. Charlie also contributed to the community as a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital for 6 years. He enjoyed traveling by car with his wife, and he visited every state except Hawaii. Favorite pastimes of Charlie included fishing, railroads, history, and reading. He was a lifetime patron of the Johnstown Public Library. He was an avid sports fan, always rooting for the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. Charlie leaves behind his loving wife, Madeline Chini Derwin; his children, Jeanne; Timothy (Melissa); Michael (Hongbin); Kathleen, and Steven (Amy), 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson, and many dear family, friends and classmates. Visiting hours will be from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 325 S. Comrie Ave, Johnstown, NY 12095. A Memorial Service will take place at First Baptist Church on Saturday April 11, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charlie’s memory to: The Johnstown Public Library, 38 S. Market Street, Johnstown, NY 12095 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave Ext., Gloversville, NY 12078. Online condolences can be made at www.EhleandBarnettFamilyFuneralHome.com.