Obituary of Charles L. Tryon

TRYON, CHARLES L.

LATHAM, NY – Charles Leonard Tryon, age 78, passed away surrounded by family and friends on June 3rd, 2024 at Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, New York after a brief but rapid illness.

Charles, aka "Charlie" or "Uncle Chuck", a lifelong resident of Latham was born in Troy, New York on August 18, 1945. He was the adopted son of the late Myron B. and Anna M. (Sornberger) Tryon of Latham. He was the biological son of the late Otis H. Richards Sr. of Arnett, Oklahoma and Arlington, Texas and the late Erna N. (Agan) Storm Brenenstuhl Whitman of Troy, New York.

As a teenager, Charlie was highly interested in learning how to scuba dive and joined the "Trojan Trident SCUBA Diving Club" in the Troy YMCA during the early 1960's. Later he went on to become a YMCA Underwater Activities Program Scuba Instructor and then was certified by the WORLD UNDERWATER FEDERATION with an International Diving Instructor Certificate 3 Stars (third degree). He utilized his certifications to train countless U.S. Navy Sailors and New York State Law Enforcement.

Charlie was a 1964 graduate of Shaker High School in Latham and a 1968 graduate of the Hudson Valley Community College in Troy where he earned an Associate of Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering.

In 1968, he enlisted in The United States Navy and served as an aerial, combat and accident investigation photographer. During his tenure he actively participated in a number of operations from December 1968 through June 1969 as part of West Pac while deployed to the D.M.Z. in Vietnam waters aboard the USS Newport News CA-148 aka "Thunder" and "Gray Ghost from the East Coast" and was honorably discharged as Photographer's Mate 2nd Class (E-5) in 1975. His major Awards and Decorations included: Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

In 1972, he began serving the local community at the Town of Colonie Police Department, shield number 76, as a patrolman until being assigned as an accident investigation officer in 1975. In 1977, he was assigned to the detective unit, and in 1979, he was promoted to the rank of detective, assigned to the Identification Unit and Forensic Unit until retirement in 1992 after twenty years of service.

In 1992, he began serving at the New York State Assembly as Deputy Sergeant at Arms performing facility security with distinction for twenty-six years of state service until 2018. 

During his retirement years he was known to some as “Just Charles, the Magical Investigator” and owned/operated Charles Tryon Photography.

Charlie was a member of:

Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club NY Chapter VIII

Fraternal Order of Police Capital District Lodge 14

Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie # 3773

International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) Ring 186 – Albany

Retired Police Benevolent Association (RPBO) of New York

Society of American Magicians (SAM) Assembly 24 – Capital District

Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans - Life Member

United States Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, Fort Pierce, Florida – Life Member U.S. Navy Photographer # 5155

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gurtler Brothers, Saratoga Post #420

Watervliet Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge# 1500

HVCC Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity  

In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his wife Patricia A. (Mann) Tryon, and half-siblings Julia E. (Storm) Pailley, John E. Brenenstuhl, Carl H. Storm, and Helen M. (Storm) May, and his dear friend William H. Meyer.

He is survived by adopted sister Myra A. Tryon; half-brothers; Otis H. Richards Jr., and Michael R. Richards; two half-sisters; Susan M. (Richards) Smith, and Rebecca (Geoffrey) K. (Richards) Webb; stepchildren Robin (Barry) Sherwin, Roy (Karen) Johnson, Kimberly Johnson, and Jamie (Carol) Johnson; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his adored Shih Tzus, Maggie Mae. Charles' family would like to especially thank his grandnephew, Joshua White, for his friendship, kindness, and support given to Uncle Chuck in his time of need.

Charlie had a full life! He enjoyed scuba diving, being a scuba diving instructor, photography, magic, electronics, computers, science and art, playing the role of Santa Clause, storytelling, and any opportunity to put a smile on someone's face.

Relatives, friends and the community are invited and may call at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY, on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM. A prayer service will take place at 6:30 PM with Pastor Drew Sperry of Calvary United Methodist Church officiating.

Funeral procession to depart from the funeral home Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 1:30 PM to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY, where interment with full military honors will take place.

All are invited to attend a Funeral Repast Luncheon at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #420, 190 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the: VFW Saratoga Springs, Post 420 in memory of Charles Tryon, (checks only please) C/O Gene Ricigliano, Quartermaster, 190 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Donations will also be accepted at the Funeral Repast Luncheon after the National Cemetery interment of our beloved Charles Tryon.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and donations.