Obituary of Charles F. Guerin

Dr. Charles Francis Guerin  Colonie - On the evening of April, 25, 2016,  Charles F. Guerin passed away in St Peter’s Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. Charles was born in 1936 in the town of Franklin Square on Long Island, NY as the first son of Sylvester F. Guerin and Loretta Guerin.  He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degrees from Manhattan School of Music and his Doctorate in Music Education from Columbia University.  Expert on saxophone and clarinet, Charles’ spent his youth in the late 50’s playing with Ralph Flanagan, Johnny Long and Les Elgar Big Bands, appearing on NBC Bandstand. As a music educator, Charles taught band and orchestra at Sewanhaka High School in Nassau County on Long Island eventually assuming the position of District Coordinator of Music for the Sewanhaka High School District. After moving to the Town of Colonie in 2002, Charles was enthralled to find a region filled with Big Bands and quickly became involved with local groups including the Memorial Concert Band of Colonie, The Upstate Swing Band, The Georgie Wonders Big Band, the Joey Thomas Big Band, the Albany Area Senior Orchestra and the Colonie Town band. Charles was married to Denise J. Guerin for 50 years producing a son, Charles L. Guerin who followed in his father’s footsteps with a love of music. After Denise’s death in 2011, Charles shared happy years with his beloved friend and companion Jan Valloze. He loved modern art, good music, shiny cars, snappy clothes and was a devout Christian. He is survived by his son, Charles L. Guerin and Davina Mill of Montreal, Quebec; his grandson Daniel Mill-Guerin; brother Richard and Dianne Guerin of Franklin Square, NY; brother: Jim and Roberta Guerin of Venice, FL.; beloved friend Jan Valloze of Colonie, NY. Calling hours will be held from 1 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Cemetery.