Obituary of Charles Kleinsmith

Olean-- Charles E. Kleinsmith formerly of 604 Irving St. Olean, passed away Friday (February 11, 2011) at the Olean General Hospital, after a long illness. Born January 14, 1917 in Olean, NY he was the son of Charles C. and Alta Mae Ackerman Kleinschmidt. On May 15, 1965 he married Mary "Eileen" Burleigh who predeceased him September 28, 1998. Mr. Kleinsmith was a 1935 graduate of Olean High School and worked for various businesses, including Lester's Shoe Store and Ralph's Shoe Salon and the Olean Glass Co. He also worked as a credit representative for Montgomery Ward Co. in the late thirties, and operated a radio and TV repair business during WWII. He was then employed for over 38 years for Dresser Clark Co., retiring as an electronic technician on February 1, 1981. He was instrumental in starting the Retired Steelworkers Association Local #4601 which he served as president for 21 years and the Olean Area Federal Credit Union. He was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and served as its past governor. He was also a lifetime member of the St. Stephen's Club and the #4601 Steelworkers Union. In 1981 former mayor William O. Smith appointed him to organize the local "Neighborhood Watch" program He also helped monitor local business's compliance with the federal handicap accessibility laws. Additionally, he helped form the Taxpayer's Association which was later changed to the Concerned Citizens Council and was a supporter of the Salamanca based Domestic Violence Program. His desire to help others was evidenced also by his fundraising efforts for Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April), for the Multiple Sclerosis Association, the Genesis House and for the Moose Lodge Building Fund. Surviving are 2 step granddaughters Annette Burleigh and Kimberly Pastor; a step son David J. (Carol) Burleigh and a step grandson John Burleigh. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by 2 daughters Judith Anne Kleinsmith on April 26, 1947 and Rose Mary Kleinsmith on July 15, 1988 and 2 brothers Leon Kleinsmith and Clayton "Doc" Kleinsmith. There will be no visitation. Services will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Eastern Paralyzed Veteran's Association 7 Mill Brook Rd. Wilton, NH 03086-0928, Chautauqua Blind Association 510 W. 5th Street, Jamestown NY 14701 or to Cornerstone Gospel Church, Olean. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home.