Charles J. Thomas

“Charlie” is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Willa Thomas. He is also survived by his four children: daughters Catherine Garrone and her husband, Joseph; Susan Kosielski and her husband, John; Mary Montagne and her husband, Frank; and his son, Charles Thomas and his wife, Lisa Venezia Thomas. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, and his 15th great-grandchild is due in February. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank Thomas and James Thomas, and his sister-in-law Anita Thomas.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary Thomas; his brother, Tom Thomas; his sister, Madlyn Nelson; and his granddaughter Jacqueline Thomas.

Charlie grew up in North Bergen Township and graduated from Union Hill High School. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War.

Charlie joined the North Bergen Fire Department in 1957, where he worked for 36 years, retiring at the rank of Deputy Chief in 1993. His father, grandfather and son were all North Bergen firefighters, making it four generations in the department.

Charlie enjoyed playing softball; refereeing basketball and football; building and flying model airplanes; and exercising at the YMCA. He especially enjoyed an ice-cold Schaefer beer!

He was partners in a home remodeling business with a fellow firefighter. He proudly built his retirement home in Lanoka Harbor, later moving to Holiday City Berkeley. He was a member of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church.

Charlie truly enjoyed life, but most of all, he enjoyed his time with his family.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 from 4 to 8 pm at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 at 10 am at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church, 130 Saint Maximilian Lane, Toms River, NJ.

Charlie will be laid to rest in Ocean County Memorial Park, 1722 Silverton Road, Toms River, NJ. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.