Obituary, Charles J. Okraski

WAPPINGERS FALLS – Charles J. Okraski, a resident of the Town of Fishkill since 2007, formerly of LaGrange and Poughquag, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 4, 2021 following an 18-year battle with cancer. He was 74.

Son of the late Charles and Anna (Kogut) Okraski, Charlie was born in Utica, NY on April 17, 1946. In 1967, he graduated from SUNY Cortland. Following college, he worked as a Physical Education Teacher for the Pawling School District for 10 years. For 35 years, Charlie owned and operated Poughkeepsie Painting. He was passionate about his work as a contractor and was dedicated to his employees and clients.

Charlie was always active, and his hobbies included golf, skiing, travel, and watching football. He especially loved going on family vacations. More than anything else, he cherished his family. He took great pride keeping up with his sons’ activities and jobs.

On August 26, 1967, he married Margaret “Peggy” Aldrich at St. Peter’s Church in Utica. Peggy survives at home in Wappingers Falls.

Additional survivors include his sons, Bret Okraski & his wife Wendy of Phoenix, AZ and Kurt Okraski of Reno, NV; his grandchildren, Charlotte and Cole Okraski; his brother, Richard Okraski & his wife Barbara McKnight of Aiken, SC; his sister, Barbara Quackenbush & her partner Jon Payne of Utica; and many other loving relatives & friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 8 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, NY. PLEASE NOTE: In compliance with NYS guidelines, social distancing and face masks will be required and capacity may be limited.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. For online tributes, you can visit Charlie’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

Author: Harlem Valley News