Charles Quartey

In Loving Memory of Charles Crentsil Kofi Quartey(1946–2025)

“In his own quiet way, he touched many lives and made ahuge impact in his community.”

Charles Crentsil Kofi Quartey’s passing came as a heavy blow. It was unexpected, painful, and difficult to comprehend, especially because he had shown no signs of slowing down. He was full of life, vibrant in spirit, and active in everyday activities and community affairs until his final moments.

Born on March 20, 1946, in Ghana to Mr. Johnathan Wellington Quartey and Madam Felicia Kena, Charles spent his early years in Obo-Kwahu in Ghana, a place he always remembered with pride and affection. He attended Obo Government School, where his father served as headmaster, a role that made the Quartey family well-known and respected in the community. He attended commercial school and went on to work with the Ghana Cocoa Marketing Board as a junior executive and met and married his beloved wife Maud Quartey in 1973. They went on to have their first-born Audrey Quartey in1975 and shortly after Charles immigrated to the United States in search of broader opportunities. He first movedto Worcester Massachusetts and a year later, he settled permanently in Syracuse, which became his permanenthome for nearly five decades. Over the years, he worked with several reputable institutions in the city, including Syracuse University as a Supervisor in the dining halls and the historic Hotel Syracuse, where his reliability andquiet diligence earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Charles Quartey was a man of many gifts. He was an artist, craftsman, music lover, and community builder. It often surprised those who knew him to discover his remarkable artistic talent, a passion he pursued as a private joy and took classes at Syracuse University to perfect his talent. Charles was a friend to everyone and always there to lend a helping hand. They cherished the personal touch and cheerful spirit he brought to that humble service. He also had a deep love for table tennis and tennis, a sport he played with great enthusiasm even when few around him shared his passion. He also loved his beloved Syracuse University Orangemen basketball and the Los Angeles Lakers. Charles had a deep love of music and had an extensive collection of albums and CDsfrom Aretha Franklin to BB King. He enjoyed all types of music. And for those who attended community events, it was not unusual to find Charles behind the music turntable, spinning African tunes and creating the rhythm and joy that connected everyone.

He was a founding member of the Ghana Central New York Association, a dedicated supporter of many Africancommunity organizations, and a firm believer intogetherness, culture, and mutual support. His quiet leadership, humility, and willingness to lend a helping hand earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him.

Charles was the father of one daughter Audrey Quartey and his older brother’s daughter Felicia Nana Amoakoa Sarpong and had six grandchildren, Maya Larbi, Elijah Larbi, Samuel Larbi, Sonia Sarpong, Sheehan Sarpong and Shane Sarpong. He enjoyed spending time and cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren and supported them in every endeavor.

Charles Crentsil Kofi Quartey will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, creativity, and service to the community will live on in the hearts of many.

For the younger generation, he was more than a mentor.He was an example of what it means to live with integrity,simplicity, and purpose.

Above all, Charles was a family man. He shared overfifty years of marriage with his beloved wife, MaudDartey Quartey, who joined him in Syracuse soon afterhe immigrated. Their union was one built on love,devotion, and companionship. He adored his daughter,Audrey Quartey, and his only surviving sister, Georgina Ataa Quartey, along with his beloved uncle Mr. Victor Attah and entire family of grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, remain heartbroken at his sudden departure.

To say that the community is grieving would be an understatement. The news of Paa Charlie’s passing has been received with great shock, sorrow and grief, from Ghana to Syracuse and beyond. He was not one for noiseor self-promotion, yet his quiet presence was felteverywhere he went. He was the neighbor who checked in, the friend who listened without judgment, the volunteer who helped without being asked, and the elder who inspired through example rather than words.

It is hard to come to terms with the fact that he is gone,that someone so full of life, so steadfast and dependable, could be taken so suddenly. His absence has created a void that will take a long time to fill, not just in his family but across the entire community he served so faithfully.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life, for the kindness he shared, the love he gave, and the quiet dignity with which he lived. He will be remembered not for grand speeches or loud declarations, but for the simple,steady goodness that defined his days. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his warmth and humanity.

Farewell, Paa Charlie.

You have run your race with grace and purpose.

Your legacy of love, humility, and servicewill forever remain with us. We will miss you dearly. We will never forget you.