Charles J Smith

A beloved husband to his wife of 68 years, Marjorie Bautz Smith; daughter Valerie Smith, granddaughters Jennifer Wythoff (Daniel), great-granddaughter Harper, Katharine Hoffman (Christopher); twin sons Patrick Smith (Sally), grandchildren Nicholas Smith (Jill), Cassandra Smith Bevilacqua (Mario); Michael Smith (Keary), granddaughters Taylor, Samantha Curley (Matthew) great-grandchildren Tess and Jack; grandsons Timothy Beierschmitt (Jarelis), Patrick Beierschmitt (Katherine); sister Maryellen Kuttner (Frank).

He is predeceased by his parents, youngest child, daughter Charlene Beierschmitt, sisters Constance Crews, Barbara Conley, Charlene Cohen (Alan) and brother John Smith (Margaret), and their daughter Eileen Smith.

Chuck had a lot of health issues after he suffered a seizure 3 years ago and journeyed home to God after his last weeks of suffering.

Chuck, who was larger-than-life, was proud of and loved by his family, especially the love of his life “Margie”, his children, grand and great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends for his fun-loving, caring and generous ways. He had a zest for life and food which was contagious!

Chuck proudly served in the Korean War on Battleship NJ BB-62 in the engine room as a Machinist’s mate, third class from July 16, 1955, and honorably discharged on October 6, 1960.

Moving from Downsville, NY, first to the Freehold/Howell area and then to Farmingdale, NJ where he and his wife Margie built a beautiful home to raise their family and where family and friends were always welcome. Earlier in life he resided in Jersey City and Highlands, NJ.

He was a Howell Little League Coach, served on the building committee for St. Veronicas and was a member of the Holy Name Society there. A faith-filled, honorable man, he taught his family to keep the faith, love others, and share our time and resources with those in need. His words of wisdom each year on his birthday were: “Trust in God.”

After moving back to Jersey about 20 years ago from retirement fun in the Florida sun, Cape Coral, he and Margie were parishioners at St. John’s, Lakehurst and Church of St. Monica, Jackson. During his retirement in Florida, Chuck became a talented scroll saw artist. Some of his most beautiful pieces are displayed at Francis House of Prayer, Allentown, NJ as well as family members' and friends' homes.

In earlier retirement years, Chuck and Margie were members of the “Battleship NJ Reunion Group” that traveled annually to wonderful U.S. destinations to rekindle friendships, tell stories and see the sights.

He was a proud and hard-working member of the Operating Engineers Local 825 for 49 years and a mentor to many fellow members. He started his construction career in tunnel work upstate NY bringing drinking water to NYC and received his crane operator license and continued to help build America as a “master” crane and tower crane operator helping to construct Newark Airport, CentraState Hospital, Oyster Creek, and Salem Nuclear Power Plants along with building many schools, roads and bridges in the New Jersey area.

He will be missed dearly every day leaving behind a legacy of faith and love.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of St. Monica in Jackson, NJ at 11:30am on Saturday, February 1.

Internment with military honors at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a future date with family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Meals on Wheels Organization or the Operating Engineers Local 825 Training Fund at:

Meals on Wheels or Operating Engineers Local 825 Training Fund.