Charles A. Niles

Charles A. Niles, 93, of Kingston, NY, passed away Friday, March 13, 2015. He was born June 13, 1921 in Kingston to the late Vernon and Violet (Burhans) Niles. Charles was married to Esther Niles who passed away in 2001. He is also predeceased by his brother, William E. Niles.


He was a Kingston High School Graduate, Class of 1939. Charles later studied aircraft instrument repair at NYS Technical Institute in Morrisville. During WWII he was employed by the Air Force at Rome Army Air Base. He later studied watch making at the Elgin Watch College in Elgin, IL and Jewelry Making at Bowman Tech in Lancaster, PA. After which, he and his brother operated a watch repair and jewelry business on Main St. in Kingston. He later worked as an Engineer for Rotron MFG in Woodstock for many years, retiring in 1985.


Charles was a member of the Hudson River Maritime Museum and Friends of Historic Kingston. He was a contributor to Ulster County Archives. Much of his time was devoted to building scale models of Hudson River Steam Boats, which are now on display at the Maritime Museum.


Entrusted to the care of Luke Keyser of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, where friends and family may visit on Thursday March 19th from 2 to 4pm. The funeral service will take place at 10am on Friday March 20th at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodstock Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401 www.hrmm.org