FEURA BUSH — Charles E. “Charley” Houghtaling Jr., who chaired the Albany County Legislature for 15 years, served during the Korean Conflict, was a lifetime member of the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Department, and, with his wife, Ann, owned and operated Houghtaling’s Market for decades.

“He was surrounded by his loving family as he began his journey to his eternal home on Dec. 22, 2025,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Charles is now resting in everlasting peace, hand in hand, with the love of his life, wife, Ann.” He was 92.

He was born on June 14, 1933, on Flag Day. “He was the bouncing baby boy of Charles E. Houghtaling Sr. and Alvina (née Ernst) Houghtaling,” his family wrote. “He was fondly known as Charley with an ‘ey.’

“Charley lived in Albany County his entire life, spending over 70 of those years in Feura Bush. As a teen, he attended Philip Schuyler High School where he honed his skills in the carpentry trade. By this time, he had already had a taste of the trade from working alongside his uncle from a young age, and had developed a fondness for carpentry.

“After high school, Charley was drafted by the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. During this time, he cultivated and polished his leadership skills, which eventually earned him the position of staff sergeant. Upon return from proudly serving his country, Charley attended the Carpenter’s Apprentice Program through Local 117, and was a journeyman for 27 years.

“Besides helping to build up communities through carpentry, Charley began serving his community through public service. In 1957, Charley joined his town’s fire company, the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a life member in various roles, including president and battalion chief.

“Charley was also a longtime member of the Jerusalem Reformed Church. He continued down the path of civic engagement and community action through his service to the town of New Scotland as a town councilman for one term.

“Charley also expanded his desire to assist more communities further through public office for Albany County. He served on the Albany County Soil and Water Board for 25 years, and the Albany County Legislature for 27 years. For 15 years, he was the chairman of the Albany County Legislature, making Charley the longest serving chairman to date. He also was one of the original members of the Steering Committee for the updating and expansion of the Albany County International Airport.

“Charley earned respect from many, because of the type of person he had proven to be. Through his humble nature, he was very proud of accomplishments, but always credited all involved in the endeavors.

“In 1976, Charley became a well respected Feura Bush business owner alongside his loving wife, Ann. For 32 years, they owned and operated Houghtaling’s Market, proudly serving the community they cherished.

“With Charley’s approachable nature, he would often be seen standing at the counter in deep discussion, giving advice, directions, a ‘history lesson,’ or simply chatting in lighthearted conversation with friends, neighbors, and the everyday customer. He would welcome conversation from anyone, and always made time for those who wanted to talk on any level.

“Numerous friendships formed, and were treasured well beyond those 32 years. These friendships were solidified further when Charley and Ann worked together with other townspeople on a couple of community projects over the years.

“Through monetary collections, and volunteers to share the work, the Veterans’ Memorial, located on the Jerusalem Reformed Church grounds, was erected to pay respect to all United States veterans.

“With unyielding support and assistance from the Feura Bush community, Ann and Charley were able to help make the creation of the Feura Bush Town Park a reality, years in the making. Years later, in 2017, the park was renamed the Charley Houghtaling Park, in honor of his numerous contributions, and the positive impact he had on the private and public sectors of Albany County. He was genuinely surprised and greatly humbled by this gesture.

“Family was at the very heart of Charley and Ann’s love story. Together, they created a home for their three boys where the kitchen table was more than a place to eat meals together. It was a place to reminisce, problem solve, have lively discussions, receive guidance, create memories, and laughter that will last forever in their hearts.

“Over time, the family expanded with wives, and families of their own, but the symbolism of the kitchen table remained a blessing on which family could count to help navigate life’s twists and turns.”

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Charles E. “Charley” Houghtaling Jr. is survived by his children, Dale (Peggy) Houghtaling, Darryl (Maureen) Houghtaling, and Scott (Lori) Houghtaling; his grandchildren, Aaron Houghtaling, Andrew Houghtaling, Daniel Houghtaling, Jessica Houghtaling, Timothy (Katie) Houghtaling, and Kate Houghtaling; his great-grandchildren, Mia Houghtaling, and Brooke Houghtaling; and his sister, Barbara (Hal) VanSchoick.

His loving wife, Anna (née Crosier) Houghtaling, died before him, as did his parents, Charles E. Houghtaling Sr. and Alvina (née Ernst) Houghtaling, and his sister, Alvina White.

“The family is also very blessed with, and thankful for, the special caregivers who worked alongside the family to care for Charley, especially these last few months, including Community Hospice,” the tribute said.

A celebration of life will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 S. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202, https://capitalcityrescuemission.org/ ; the Onesquethaw Fire Department, 2178 Tarrytown Rd., Clarksville, NY 12041; or the Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY, 12208.