08/04/2025
Sad news for the Cantata community. We will miss the joy he brought to rehearsals and his love for singing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him!
Charles Robert Flansburg
HORNELL- Born July 18, 1943, died Sunday Aug. 3, 2025 at the age of 82.
Born to Charles E. Flansburg and Helen G (Lorow) Flansburg here in Hornell at the old St. James Hospital. Charles grew up on Clay Street and Hart Street in Hornell. He is a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1961 and graduated from Geneseo College in 1970 graduating the same year as his wife Mary Ann (Stilson) Flansburg. Charles and Mary Ann were married July 24, 1971. Together they raised six children; Charles F. Flansburg of Allentown Pa, Joseph M. Flansburg of Hornell, Mary Liz (Kevin) Bartell of Hornell, Ann (Derek) Hardy of Oceanside, CA, Thomas G. Flansburg of Hornell, and Rebecca H. Flansburg of Hornell.
Charles is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Flansburg, as well as his brother, Thomas M. Flansburg. Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary; and their children, as well as his brothers and sister, James Flansburg, Robert Flansburg, Michele Flansburg, Liz Lieb, and Ellen Tobin, and his seven grandchildren, and two adopted grandchildren.
Charles along with his brothers and father co-owned and operated Charles’ Supreme Ice Cream on Seneca Street until its closure. Charles was employed by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad in Hornell, Barkers Lumber of Bath, Fatima International in Cheadle, Stoke-on Trent, England, McDonalds (on Seneca Street) in Hornell, Stern & Stern Textile, Crowley Foods, and retired from the New York State Department of Transportation after 36 years. Charles sat as Chairman of the Board of the Erie Federal Credit Union until its acquisition by First Heritage Credit Union which he served as an unpaid Chairman to give to the community all he could.
Charles loved to sing with the Hornell Barbershoppers, and share in his fellowship with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). He was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he enjoyed singing with the choir, Christmas Cantatas and every occasion he could, including 4th of July and Memorial Day celebration leading the community in song. Charles would do lip singing in his hospital bed during his final days. Charles was an assistant Cub Scout Master during the 1990’s and was involved in Prison Ministries participating in REC (Resident Encounters with Christ), Crusillo making men’s 16, and numerous activities within the St. Ann’s Parish Community. Charles was a member of the Legion of Mary and sang for countless weddings and funerals both solo and as a member of the Resurrection Choir. Charles served as Principal of the Sunday School CCD program during the early1990’s.
Charles enjoyed camping, taking walks, visiting parks, and almost any outdoor recreational gathering, taking railroad excursions, and babysitting his grandchildren whenever he had a chance or was asked. Charles’ words of wisdom to others have always been “Be kind to each other.”
Calling hours are 5-7 P.M. THURSDAY (AUG. 7, 2025) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. FRIDAY (AUG. 8, 2025). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to their favorite charity.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Charles’ family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Charles are welcome below or at www.bishopdesanto.com
