Generally known as Charlie, Sidney Charles Wigler died this morning at Roosevelt Hospital of penumonia and complications from a fall. He had lived at the Empire Hotel for as long as anyone can remember and was debilitated by suffering through an endless renovation which caused periods of lack of heat, water, electricity, telephone service.

Charlie loved Balanchine, classical music, good food & conversation and, especially, NYCB ballerinas.

He was funny, irascible, generous, knowledgable, impatient with fools and totally loyal.

He loved his friends and we loved him.

Graveside service will be tomorrow. PM for details.

I am so sorry to hear this, zerbinetta. Charlie was a City Ballet fixture for as long as I can remember, albeit less so in recent years. An unforgettable character.

From "Nothing to Hide," by Robert La Fosse, (1987) -- "Then there are the famous fans--famous, that is, among the dancers. 'Coffee-Shop Charlie' Wigler, after years of unfailing devotion to the New York City Ballet, eventually got himself a job at the School of American Ballet. I think that's a great accomplishment. He's happy. He loves dancers, and now he's around them all day long."

Yes, thank you for letting me know..... many friends are in, or en route to, Saratoga or Jacob's Pillow and will be saddened to hear this......