Charles E. Willard Jr.

A Celebration of Life for Charles E. Willard Jr., 56, of Heuvelton, will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Brier Hill Fire Hall. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m., with a Fire Department Bell Service and Honors. Mr. Willard died on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown after being stricken at work. Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ogdensburg.

Charles W. Willard Jr. was born on January 6, 1969, in Ogdensburg, NY. He was the son of the late Charles Willard Sr. and Ellen (Woodward) Young. He graduated from Heuvelton Central School in 1987. He worked as an owner/operator tractor-trailer driver for a few years before joining CSX Railroad as a machine operator out of the Watertown office.

Charles was very community-minded and served a combined total of 30 years between the Westville Fire Department and the Brier Hill Fire Department. He was a jack of all trades and a natural at any endeavor he set his mind to. He enjoyed working on vehicles, cooking, and was a barbecue grill master. Above all else, he loved his family--especially his grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his fiancée, Renee Hall; his mother, Ellen Young of Ogdensburg; and his children: Nick Willard of Michigan; Grant Lewis and his fiancée, Andrea Rivas, of Hammond; Evan Lewis of Ogdensburg; and Manda Hall of Watertown. His siblings--Katherine Dillmuth and her husband, Paul, of Florida; Stephanie Willard of Mississippi; Sue Young and Robert Young; and Becky Thompson--also survive him. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Gaige Jimenez, Briella Jimenez, Alexa Soto-Gonzales, Mia Soto-Gonzales, Daevion Lewis, Naleyah Lewis, Lilly Hall, Page Hall, and Amoriyah Soto-Gonzales.

Donations in Charles's memory may be made to the Brier Hill Fire Department, 2678 State Highway 37, Brier Hill, NY 13614-3123.

Online condolences may be made at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.