Obituary of Charlie Poole

Charles Thomas Poole, 17, of Fayetteville, NY, passed away Monday, August 6, 2018 at home. He was born in Syracuse, NY, the son of Keith and Lynda Bender Poole. At the age of 14, Charlie was given a terminal diagnosis of a rare pediatric brain tumor known as DIPG. He took a very active role in his medical care, attending DIPG research conferences and participating in several clinical trials. Charlie was an advocate for kids with pediatric cancer and felt the need for improved peer support, actively reaching out to other teens and adults within the DIPG community. He participated in developing programs in our community to support and connect cancer families. Charlie unselfishly donated his brain for DIPG Research to the Monje Lab at Stanford University. Charlie was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and served as an Altar Server and Sacristan.

Charlie is survived by his parents; sister, Emily Poole; brother, Timothy Poole; paternal grandparents, Thomas and Priscilla Poole; maternal grandmother, Peggy (Richard) Wrona; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, James Bender.

As nature and the environment were important to Charlie, his wish was to have a green burial which will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, 293 Irish Hill Road, Newfield, NY 14867. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Ann’s Church, 104 Academy Street, Manlius, NY 13104.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in honor of Charlie be made to 13thirty Cancer Connect, www.13thirty.org.

Please visit the online memorial at www.ballweg-lunsford.com