Jay W. Charles, 74, of 109 Ridge Lane, Port Allegany, passed away, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Olean General Hospital.

Born August 26, 1940, in Conestoga, he was a son of the late Clayton and Edna (Groff) Charles.

He was the husband of Jolee F. Kwallek, who survives.

Mr. Charles was a 1958 graduate of Conestoga High School and a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, majoring in Sociology and Psychology. He worked as a social worker in Lancaster, and at the Harrisburg State Hospital. He moved to Port Allegany and worked at the McKean County Courthouse in the assessor's office. He then opened Charles & Associates Realty and was the owner and operator for over 35 years until his death.

He was a member of the Port Allegany Lions Club, and a member and past president of the Port Allegany School Board.

Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting and playing tennis.

Surviving is his wife, a daughter, Leah (John) Lockwood, of Bradford, two sisters, Elaine (Dale) Kreider, and Phyllis (Don) Powell and one brother, David (Geraldine) Charles, all of Lancaster and several nieces and nephews.

At the request of the family, all services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Port Allegany Fire Department.

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com