Charles Waitkus of Vestal, NY, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force [1960s/Vietnam era], died December 4, 2025 at age 82, following a brief illness. Charles was born in Plum Borough, PA, graduated from Plum High School and worked alongside his parents, Kashmir and Agnes Waitkus at their tree and plant nursery located at their residence.

After serving his country, Charles married his wife of 57 years and began a long career with IBM in San Jose, California-- later moving to other locations around the country and settling happily in Vestal, NY. He enjoyed the outdoors and delighted in fishing all the accessible New York lakes with his son and grandchildren; he traveled yearly to the New Jersey shore where he went deep-sea fishing. He also enjoyed gardening and cooking.

Besides his parents, Charles was predeceased by his beloved daughter Cara Waitkus. He is survived by his wife Linda Malobisky Waitkus; his beloved son Derek Charles Waitkus and daughter-in-law Courtney Thomas Waitkus of Endicott, NY; a sister Karen Waitkus Parker (Stephen) of North Ft Myers, FL. Also surviving are his three adored grandchildren Jacob, Nicholas and Maisie Waitkus.

Viewing and mass are both being held Thursday December 11 at St James Roman Catholic Church. There will be one hour of calling hours starting at 930am, a mass beginning 1030am followed by an interment ceremony at Vestal Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and celebrate Charles with the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the New York DEC's Natural Heritage Trust. The NHT's mission is to further conservation, outdoor recreation, historic preservation and waterfront and community revitalization. Specifically, the Central NY Fish Hatcheries area.

[https://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/fish-hatcheries-central-new-yorkries — Natural Heritage Trust]