Obituary of Charles Barnes III

Celebrating the Life of Charles J. Barnes III
November 17, 2004 – June 26, 2026

Charles J. Barnes III, affectionately called “Chuck”, “Third”, “Munchkin”, “Turtle”, “Fatman” and “Charlie” by family and friends, was born November 17, 2004, in Rochester, New York. He was the son of Charles J. Barnes II and Candace D. Fagan-Carter. As a child, Charles attended Offspring Spiritual Church with his grandmother, under the pastorate of Reverend LeMichael Bennet.

He received his education through St. Monica’s School, School No. 57, School No. 1, U Prep, Edison Tech, and graduated from West Irondequoit High School. A multi-talented sports enthusiast, he demonstrated his abilities in diverse extracurricular activities such as the McDonald’s Bowling League, playing for the Southwest Colts (Pop Warner Football League), and AAU Basketball during middle and high school. Throughout his educational career he won numerous awards and certificates for his sports ability. With his love for sports continuing after high school and given his concern for the development of young people, Charles was looking forward to serving as a coach with the Southwest Colts.

Charles had a special talent for approaching anything new and figuring it out. At the age of three he was already on ice skates, rollerblades, and riding a bicycle without training wheels. He had a determination that never gave up when presented with a challenge.

Charles was everything anyone would want a young black man to be. He had a strong work ethic which he applied to his employment with Finger Lakes DDSO, RIT, Dunkin Donuts, and Barnes Cleaning (the family business). His professionalism and attention to detail was particularly appreciated by the staff and management of ESL Corporate Office, where he provided excellent service. Among his latest ventures in the workplace was Door Dash which gave him an added opportunity to earn while serving and share his vibrant personality with others. He will be remembered for his magnetic personality, his contagious smile that would light up any room he entered, and the loving, caring, supportive attitude he shared with his family, extended family, and friends. His desire for peace and unity within his family and circle of friends was always a priority.

Charles is predeceased by his maternal great-grandmother, Macy Hardin; paternal great-grandmother, Lois Mays; maternal great grandfather, Melvin Carter; paternal great uncle, Eric Porter, and a host of great uncles and great aunts. Having departed this life suddenly on June 26, 2026, Charles leaves to cherish his memory and share his legacy: his parents, Charles J. Barnes II and Candace D. Fagan-Carter; his maternal grandmother, Kimberly Carter and grandfather, Lawrence Elsaw Jr.; maternal great-grandmother, Diane Lawson; paternal grandmother, Tonie Porter and paternal grandfather, Charles J. Barnes; siblings: Jaelin Moss, Jahnia Moss-Barnes, Jayanna Barnes and Chanelle Barnes; stepsisters: Keyara, Kori, Kaliyah, and Kaniyah Dillon; aunts and uncles: Brandon and Ciara Fagan, Crystal Harrell, Cherry Harris, Matthew and Carey Jones, Princess Fagan, Lawrence Armani Elsaw, Iesha Elsaw, Logan Elsaw, Regina Reed, Carlton Barnes and Carrissa Barnes, and Candise Lewis; many cousins, including Jason Jacobs Jr. and Jahmeir Speed who were like brothers and were constantly with him, and a special niece and nephew. He also leaves his beloved soul-mate, Shinya Hill, and her mother, Tamika Hill, whose family treated him as though he was family, along with a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him deeply.

Though Charles’ stay was brief, his life impacted many, and his contribution to the lives he touched will never be forgotten … but will strengthen and guide us through the future.

Visitation will be Monday, July 6th, from 5-8pm at Dierna Funeral Home. His Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, July 7th, at 11am at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 397 North St., Rochester, NY 14605. Interment: Riverside Cemetery