Charles Naughton is an alumnus of Buffalo State earning his B.A. in political science summa cum laude while employed as a City of Niagara Falls firefighter. Naughton took his retirement from the Niagara Falls Fire Department in 2003, where he last served as a Battalion Chief. He attended the University at Buffalo Law School which conferred upon him a Juris Doctorate cum laude in 1988. Following his admission to the New York Bar, Naughton's law practice focused on family and governmental law.

Naughton has served as the Niagara County Human Resources Director, Niagara County Risk Manager, Wheatfield Town Attorney, and currently serves as the Town of Tonawanda Director of Labor Relations.

Naughton Is married to Deborah Deuro-Naughton, who holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Buffalo State and is a teacher in the Niagara Falls School District. The couple has raised two children, one of whom is also a graduate of Buffalo State.