Don Charles Lechliter

Don Charles “Charlie” Lechliter, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Charlie was born in Elmira, a son of John and E. Louise (Smith) Lechliter. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Lisa Sobkowski Lechliter; sons, Brian C. Lechliter (Carson M. Daniels) of Rochester NY and Michael E. Lechliter (Mikele J. King) of Buffalo; brother Daniel Lechliter (Lori) of Oxnard CA; sister Kathy Robinson (David) of Zephyrhills FL; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jeffry Sobkowski of Elmira, Shawn Sobkowski (Lauren Zehner) of Highland Park NJ, Amy Bellinger (Tom Mold) of Horseheads; nieces and nephews, Gwendolyn Grasso (Richard), Billy Gooshaw (Kit), James Gooshaw (Kim), Brenda Gooshaw-Samson (Stephen Samson), Cindy Gooshaw-Shafer (Tal Shafer), Suzanne Runyan (Charlie); along with other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Charlie came from humble beginnings, and with a great work ethic, through a variety of jobs, built his own successful business, Lechliter Electric. He loved baseball and was very involved with West Elmira athletics as a coach, board member and volunteer. Charlie was very proud to have one of the ballfields at the town hall named after him. He was a die-hard New York Jets and New York Mets fan. Charlie enjoyed time with family and friends at his home around the backyard firepit. To his nieces and nephews, he was “Unckie”, and with a strong family bond, every year they were by his side helping out with the Arctic League. A wonderful, witty and generous person, Charlie loved his family beyond measure. He will be forever loved and remembered.

Services for Charlie will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at McInerny Funeral Home. Calling hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. funeral service. Interment will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Charlie with a donation to The Arctic League, P O Box 113, Elmira NY 14902.