Charles Donald Finnel

Charles “Chuck’ Finnel was called home to the Lord on May 17, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side. Chuck was the son of the late Donald and Eleanore (Sobiech) Finnel, born on October 10, 1950. He was graduate of Denmark High School and went on to NWTC to study in the trade of carpentry. On February 14, 1998, he married the love of his life Marilyn Stueck in St. James Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

Chuck worked as a self-employed carpenter, building many homes in the area and then working for Boehm Construction. Chuck also farmed for years, working alongside his uncle Jim Finnel. Chuck had a special love for picking beans. He operated as a picker for Lakeside Packing for several years.

Chuck was very mechanically talented and was tremendously meticulous. He invested all of himself in everything he did.

Chuck was a lover of classic muscle cars. Everyone knew him for his Chevelle… with bucket seats! He was a loyal follower of Nascar, enjoyed bowling, tossing bean bags and he even had time to travel a lot.

Chuck was a man of gentle nature, always kind and slow to anger. He was a lover of animals, most particularly his dogs.

Chuck will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Chuck is survived by his siblings; Gary Finnel, Paula (Harry) Duex, Lynn (Eric) Dettinger, and Tom (Debbie) Finnel, godmother; Aunt Marie Hayes, son; John (Melissa) Havlovitz, grandchildren; Trenton and Taeten. Brother and sisters-in-law; Michael (Kelly) Stueck, Marlene (Glenn) Rezek, and Marilee Stueck, many nieces and nephews; good friend Pat Finnel, his farming advisor Andy Stueck, as well as many other friends. Chuck will be especially missed by his four-legged furry friend, Fluffy.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his parents and his in-laws August and Eunice Stueck and many aunts and uncles.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home-Denmark Chapel (536 County Road R) on Thursday, May 21, from 5-7pm. A prayer service will be held at 7pm Thursday evening. Visitation will continue Friday May 22, at St. James Catholic Church- Cooperstown (18228 County Road R) from 10am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am with Fr. Brian Belongia officiating and burial to follow at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Chuck’s guardian angel Marilee for all her kindness, care and compassion.