Charles W. Erskine

Charles W. Erskine, 79, of Fairhope, Alabama, formerly of Westfield, NY passed away peacefully Thursday May 13, 2021 at home following a valiant battle with lung cancer with his loving family and dear friends at his side. Charles was born January 27, 1942 in Ronceverte, WV to the late Carl and Lilian (Smith) Rizzo Erskine. Charles moved to Westfield, NY in 1958 to work for the family taxi business. He went on to Barber School to learn the trade of being a barber. There were many “crew cuts” given in the family kitchen to family and friends for years. Charles married the love of his life, Joanna Leone in Westfied, NY November 30, 1963 and together raised their loving daughter Diann. He was hired by Ajax / Renold Inc. in Westfield, NY and was a machinist there for 26 years. He also owned and operated the family grape vineyard for 13 years. In 1996, Charles and Joanna moved to Fairhope, Alabama where Charles initially worked for Southern Aluminum and then retired in 2008 as a “handy man” for Sunbelt Fire. Throughout the years Charles was a talented and gifted carpenter and craftsman. Cupolas can be found on many homes in the area, and most recently he enjoyed ship building. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brother Roy Erskine, sister Jane Manning and his sister-in-law Jane (Raynor) Erskine who died November 21, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joanna, their daughter Diann (Douglas “Skip”) Catlin, of Plain City, Ohio, his brother Ronald Erskine, sister Carolyn (Frank) Gelsimino, nieces Cindy (Mark) Vines, Lori (Eamonn) Cannon, Lucinda Gelsimino and nephews Ronald (Patti) Erskine, Jr. and Frank (Val) Gelsimino. At Charles’ request, all services and burial will be held privately. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of Charles to the American Red Cross, 325 East 4th Street. Jamestown, NY 14701. Funeral arrangements are being cared for and provided by the MORSE FUNERAL HOME, 51 Highland Ave., Brocton, NY 14716.