Praise for victim of fatal Saratoga County shooting

GREENFIELD – For Charlene Cuva, 74, the thought of a marriage that would endure for more than half a century was the road not taken during youth.

According to her obituary, Charlene took vows to become a nun, however the day before she was scheduled to join the convent, she met Joseph Cuva on a blind date and decided to “kick the habit.”

The couple married in the summer of 1967 and lived in Greenfield for more than 50 years. That’s where they raised their three children. That’s also where they became grandparents and great grandparents.

Charlene’s time line sadly came to an end in the family home on Howe Road last Sunday night.

“Once deputies arrived on the scene, preliminary investigation shows that the husband had been cleaning his handgun in the kitchen, it discharged, went through a wall, and struck his wife, killing her,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo.

Also in Charlene’s obituary, she is credited with being a founding member of the Gateway Church in Corinth, where she served as the church secretary for 20 years.

Among the many tributes posted on social media and the Densmore Funeral Home website:

“She was always a light that shone brightly, encompassing all who had the pleasure of knowing her.”

“Joe and Char had more influence on my early Christian walk than they will ever know. She will be greatly missed.”

“What a tragic accident. Our heart goes out to Joe and the family. Char was one of the nicest people that we have ever met.”

“Our hearts are so heavy with grief and sorrow for the loss of someone so special. We’ve known them since 1975 when we became neighbors and friends.”

“I am so sorry for the family’s loss. She was a beautiful soul.”

As of Wednesday night, no one has been charged or arrested. The investigation is ongoing.