John R. Charlesworth
Little Valley – John R. Charlesworth, 82, of Little Valley, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on January 9, 1942 into the farming family of John H. and Georgia (Morton) Charlesworth, the youngest and most spoiled of five children.
In October 1963, John married Mary L. Minnekine who survives. Together, they built a life they loved. From the beginning, John and Mary operated Charlesworth Family Farm with dairy cattle and, later, beef cattle. Throughout the years, a myriad of animals also lived on the farm. As they welcomed each of their four children into their family, they fostered a love of animals, hard work, and family unity. A true farmer through and through, John was quick with a quip about the weather, knew just the right time to buy or sell, and when to get the crops planted and harvested.
Additionally, John was the longtime owner and operator of Little Valley Sand and Gravel. Building the business from the ground up, John was a proud and strong business owner with a business mind like no other.
Using those same principles, John was thoroughly dedicated, and honored, to serve as President of the Cattaraugus County Fair for more than 30 years. Again, together with his family, as well as many directors and friends, the fair became a success under his watchful eye from the red truck or golf cart. John loved seeing the exhibitors and fairgoers enjoy the fair each summer after months of hard work and planning. He was known to eat, sleep, and breathe the fair all year long.
In 2023, John was honored by the NY State Association of Fairs with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication.
John was also a past president of the Little Valley Central School Board, the town of Mansfield assessor, a member of the Beef Producers Association and Dairy Farm of Distinction.
Besides his loving wife of 60 years, John is survived by two sons; John E. (Sherry) Charlesworth of Cattaraugus, and Jay Charlesworth of Cattaraugus, as well as two daughters; Jennifer (Wayde) Savidge of Little Valley, and Kristina (Dave) Golden of Little Valley. John also cherished his five grandchildren; Ashley, Courtney, Nicholas, Amelia, and Jack. He is also survived by sisters, Hazel Fellows of Little Valley and Jane Ritter of Jamestown as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Mr. Charlesworth is predeceased by a brother, Howard Charlesworth and a sister, Phyllis Krug.
John’s family wishes to extend their thanks to everyone who expressed condolences via cards, calls, visits, flowers, and food. Your kindness did not go unnoticed.
Please join the family in honoring John’s life, love and legacy on September 28, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. at the family home in Little Valley. A brief message will be shared at 1:30 in his honor.
Memorials may be made in his memory to the Cattaraugus County Fair, PO Box 182, Little Valley, NY 14755.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley.