Charles S. Talbot

Husband, grandpa and friend

SALAMANCA — Charles S. Talbot, 74, of Salamanca, passed away Friday morning (July 25, 2025) at Buffalo General Hospital, following a short illness.

Born Sept. 14, 1950, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Earl H. Sr. and Betty Mighells Talbot. He was married Nov. 22, 1974, in Leonardtown, Md., to the former Sharon K. Giardini, who survives.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1968, and worked as a laborer while attending the JCC Olean Campus and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Chuck was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1968–1972, receiving an honorable discharge.

After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he worked as a behavior specialist and later worked for the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services for over 25 years. His last position was as a supervisor with Child Protective Services. He also taught child abuse and maltreatment classes for Cattaraugus County at the JCC Olean Campus.

Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He also enjoyed reading, music, baking and cooking.

He volunteered for the Lions Clubs of Olean and Portville and loved to help others. He was also a member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 in Allegany. He served as president of the Salamanca Youth Bureau and served on the Salamanca Police Commission.

He enjoyed every moment spent with his friends and family. He believed deeply in the giving of oneself and leaves a legacy of community service and involvement.

He was a devoted member of the former St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Chuck was a warm and compassionate man of faith, perhaps best known for his love of a good joke. His sense of humor and unfailingly optimistic outlook were contagious, while his kindness and generosity to all was inspiring.

He leaves behind a following of loyal friends that span every age group. He will be most dearly missed by those loved ones who survive him.

Surviving besides his wife are two sons, David (Betsy) Talbot of Allegany and Damond (Maggie) Talbot of Leesburg, Fla.; four grandchildren, Dylan and Bryant of Allegany and Marieangelis and Jomar of Leesburg; a brother, Joel (Diane) Talbot of Salamanca; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Ellen Green, and a brother, Earl H. “Sonny” Talbot Jr.

Friends called Wednesday (July 30, 2025) at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, at which time funeral services were held with Rev. Rebecca Harris of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Kane, Pa., officiating. Full military honors were conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Burial will be in Crawford Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Olean Lions Club, P.O. Box 2, Olean, NY 14760; or the Child Advocacy Center, 722 Main St., Olean, NY 14760.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.