Charles "Chuck" R. Wiltse

Charles “Chuck” Robert Wiltse, 83, of Red Creek, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Blind Sodus Bay on April 5, 2025. He was surrounded by family. He was born in Hannibal in 1942 to the late Henry and Avis Washburn Wiltse. Chuck was a graduate of Hannibal High School (1959) and SUNY Oswego (1963, 1966, 1988). At both schools he was a stellar cross-country runner and developed a lifelong love for student athletics.

As a science teacher in the Baldwinsville Central School District, he was devoted to both academic and athletic excellence for his students and runners. Among other successes in and out of the classroom, he developed new honors curriculum and pioneered new running programs for men and women while coaching the men’s cross-country team for over two decades.

After twenty years in the classroom, Chuck became a school administrator and served as principal at Ray Middle School and Baker High School in Baldwinsville and then Trumansburg Middle School. He was later Superintendent of the Cincinnatus Central School District and then served as Superintendent of Marcus Whitman Central Schools until his retirement.

As his career progressed, his commitment to student athletics and the values of dedication and teamwork they instilled was unwavering. He continued to serve in various capacities over the years, including as Director of Track and Field for the NY Special Olympics, the founder and director of the Harrier Cross Country Camp, the founding chairman of the New York State Empire Games Road Events, and as longtime chairman of the NYSPHSAA Cross Country Committee. Among his many honors, he was inducted into the SUNY Oswego (2010) and Baldwinsville CSD (2024) Athletic Halls of Fame.

Chuck was also active in the various communities in which he lived across New York, working with many organizations including Rotary International. Everywhere he lived, he was well loved and respected by his neighbors. His garage was always open to anyone who needed a hand—or a beer.

As much as he enjoyed being a coach, teacher, and community leader, he relished his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind a large and loving family.

He is predeceased by his son Craig Wiltse, his brother John Wiltse, his sister Ardis Wiltse Pawlenko, and his first wife and lifelong friend Carol Meldrum Wiltse.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Connery, his daughter and son-in-law Laurie and Gerald Payne, his grandson Corey (Maggie Petrella) Payne and granddaughter Megan (Nathaniel) Robson, his daughter-in-law Suzanne Berry Wiltse, his granddaughter Ashleigh (Kevin Hulvey) Wiltse, his brother Donald Wiltse, his nieces and nephews, and his many former runners and students, whom he always held dear.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 1pm to 3pm at Foster Funeral Home, 837 Cayuga St., Hannibal, NY, with a brief service immediately following. His family and friends are planning a celebration to appropriately honor his life and legacy for later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship in his name through the Baldwinsville Community Scholarship Foundation. Donations can be made here, please put “Coach Wiltse” in the dedication line.