Charles J. Truax, 97, passed away peacefully at Saratoga Hospital on August 31, 2026..

Born in Glens Falls, New York, Charles was the son of the late Leonard and Lena (Balch) Truax. In 1952, he married Genevieve Fischer of Worcester, Massachusetts, who predeceased him. Charles raised two sons, Bruce (Andrea) Truax and Brian (Kathleen) Truax. Brian preceded his father in death.

In 1975, Charles married Maria DeSzell. They shared 51 wonderful years together after meeting through a mutual love of bowling. They enjoyed cruises on Lake George, traveling, and the many adventures of a life well lived.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Truax (DeSzell); his son, Bruce (Andrea) Truax; five grandchildren, Nicole, Heather, Ashley, Morgan, and Reed Truax; six great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. He was also predeceased by his four brothers, Curtis, Leonard, Robert, and Matthew Truax.

A proud student of family history, Charles traced his ancestry to John Balch, who arrived in Boston in 1623 and later settled in Beverly, Massachusetts, where the historic Balch Homestead still stands today. He also discovered his connection to Philippe Du Trieux, who settled in New Amsterdam, now New York City, in the 1600s.

Charles graduated as valedictorian of the Bolton Central School Class of 1946. An outstanding athlete, he excelled in basketball and set a regional scoring record of over 40 points in a single game. He went on to earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of the honor societies Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu and played on the RPI basketball team.

Following graduation, Charles served as an officer in the U.S. Navy through the NROTC program. During the Korean War, he served aboard naval vessels operating in the Caribbean and the western Pacific, including assignments in Japan and islands off North Korea.

In 1957, Charles joined General Electric in Schenectady, New York, where he enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career. Early in his tenure, he was named co-inventor on a patent involving a high-frequency voltage-tunable magnetron. He spent much of his career with GE's Electrical Transmission Studies Group and later served as Manager of Education, mentoring generations of engineers. His work took him throughout the United States and around the world, including Central and South America, Canada, and Asia, where he lectured and consulted on electric transmission and power systems. He retired from GE in 1989.

Charles embraced life with enthusiasm and remained active well into his later years. He enjoyed basketball, baseball, skiing, bowling, billiards, and golf. A longtime member of the Edison Club, he played golf for more than four decades, recording several rounds equal to or below his age and achieving the thrill of a hole-in-one. He retired from the game at age 90.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from Hospice, Home Instead, and Saratoga Hospital for their compassionate support. Special thanks to Sharon, Jean, and Tony Nato, Charlie's physical therapist, whose kindness, dedication, and encouragement enriched his final years.

Relatives and friends are invited to the committal service with military honors on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871 Please arrive between 1:10 p.m. and 1:25 p.m. just inside the entrance along the right curbing.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the care of the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9 Clifton Park, NY 12065

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