Charles H. House, Jr.

EAST GREENBUSH, NY – Charles Henry House of East Greenbush, died peacefully on May 4, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Merilyn (Heeder) House; sisters, Miriam Lloyd of Little Falls, NJ and Maslin Russ of Gainesville, FL; younger son, Leigh House of Los Alamos, NM; and grandchildren, Alexander House of Delmar, NY, Geoffrey House of Duluth, MN and Brian House of Palo Alto, CA. Charles' older son, W. Lawrence House died in March, 2005. Charles' brother, Harry House was killed in World War II. Charles was quiet and deliberate, and many people enjoyed and cared for him, especially in his later years.
Charles was the son of Charles Henry House, Sr. and Anna Frances (Hoyland) House. He was born in November 1916 in Albany, NY. Charles' father worked for the Delaware and Hudson Railroad (D&H), and while growing up, Charles' family lived in several D&H operating locations, including Wilkes Barre, PA and Plattsburgh, NY. Charles graduate from Plattsburgh High School in 1934 and went on to Union College in Schenectady, NY where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1938. Jobs were difficult to find then and Charles spent more than a year trying to find one. He started work at the D&H in 1940. In 1941 he answered our nation's call and enlisted in the Army. His military service took him to Hawaii, England, France and Germany. In 1945, after an honorable discharge from the Army, he resumed working at the D&H. A delightful young woman, who also worked there, Merilyn Heeder, soon caught his eye and his affection. They built a strong relationship and were married August 1946. Their first son, W. Lawrence was born in June 1948, and their second son, Leigh was born in April 1950. Charles and Merilyn built their family house in East Greenbush, and although it was only partly complete, moved into it in December 1950. Charles worked for the freight department of the D&H, and was Assistant General Freight Agent when he retired in 1977. Away from the office, he enjoyed the companionship of his wife and long-time confidant, Merilyn. He supported his sons' education, helped them explore the joys of camping and New York State history, and gently encouraged them to work and save. He also enjoyed the fellowship of the steady members of his public speaking club, and the lively conversations of his book discussion group. After retiring, Charles embarked on a second career, which included learning to ride a motor scooter after he decided to turn in his regular driver's license. He continued enjoying his book discussion group, and enrolled in personal history-writing classes, which helped him share many family history events and anecdotes. He strongly believed in supporting public schools and their funding needs. Recently he has found a devoted group of admirers among the caregivers at his nursing home, Evergreen Commons. Throughout his adult life, Charles was a member of the Episcopal Church, which gave him considerable strength and comfort. He was a staunch advocate for respect for all religious beliefs, no matter how different they may be from his. Charles, and his warmth and quiet support, will be missed by all who were able to experience them.
Funeral services will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 1249 Third Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Interment will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Those who wish to honor Charles are invited to make a contribution in his name to the Church of the Redeemer or to a charity of their choice.