Oneonta, NY - ONEONTA - Charles David Barnes, 83, passed away April 29, 2025 at his home, Hampshire House in Oneonta.

He was born March 30, 1942 in Oneonta, the only child of Charles H. and Lucy Marguerite (Wilber) Barnes.

David graduated from Oneonta High School in 1960 and SUNY Morrisville with an associate degree in automotive mechanics. He worked in Schenectady for two years and continued his career at SUNY Delhi as a teacher of auto mechanics. He was dearly loved by his hundreds of students and many local mechanics who learned so much from David.

He married Mary Jo "Jody" Mitchell June 1, 1985 in Oneonta.

David could fix anything, not just automobiles, from furnaces and boilers to old coke machines. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage and hanging out with Jody and friends. He was fond of antique cars, and especially proud of his 1938 Ford Coupe and his 1965 Lincoln Continental convertible, which he and Jody brought to many car shows.

He was a member of the Oneonta American Legion and the Oneonta Elks Club where he was a trustee. He was also a part-time member of the Oneonta Fire Department.

A special thank you Rachelle, Bridget and Sally, as well as his many new friends and staff at Hampshire House, for helping David to live his life to the fullest. "Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered."

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Betsy and Ronald Brazier; brother-in-law, Joseph and Christine Mitchell; nieces, Mary and David Stalder, and Amy and Craig Harvey and their families, Erin Stalder, Nicolas Stalder, and Meredith Smithling.

He was predeceased by his parents; and wife, Jody on July 26, 2024.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon with celebration of life service at noon Wednesday, May 7, at Lewis, Hurley and Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Oneonta.

Online condolences may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com