Charles J. Kirby Jr.

Charles J. Kirby Jr., a devoted Navy Veteran and cherished family man, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. Born on February 19, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, Charles led a life marked by steadfast dedication and heartfelt commitment to his family, community and country.

Charles's journey began in Brooklyn, NY, later finding roots in Hillsdale, NJ and Newton before moving to Denville in 1975. Eventually, he settled in Bloomingdale in 1991, where he built a lifetime of treasured memories. A proud alumnus of Rutgers University, Newark, Charles earned the honor of Magna cum laude while attaining his Bachelor of Arts degree, with a determination that carried through every chapter of his life.

His professional career was distinguished and commendable, serving as a Financial Officer for GMAC in Totowa, New Jersey, where his expertise and integrity were well regarded. Charles’s heart was equally devoted to his military service. As a Navy Veteran who served bravely during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious action on board the USS Forrestal in the Gulf of Tonkin, July 29, 1967. The ship was severely damaged which caused and inflicted heavy personnel casualties. His post-service life was enriched by his significant roles at the Butler VFW, where he was a Commander, Booking Agent, Service Officer, and Bartender, among other responsibilities. His passion and leadership were instrumental in establishing the Veterans Memorial at Sloan Park in Bloomingdale and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Butler Park in Butler NJ, a testament to his enduring commitment to honoring the sacrifices of his fellow veterans. His wholehearted embrace of volunteerism and giving back to the community, deeply inspired many to rise up, be of service to others and do volunteer work that provides value to others.

Outside of work and service, Charles found joy and peace in camping and fishing across New Jersey and The Catskills, New York. An avid walker, he embraced the simple pleasures of life with vigor, embodying a spirit of resilience and connection to nature that inspired all who knew him. His walks brought him into contact with his entire neighborhood. On his daily walks, he would stop and chat with other neighbors who were walking with their children and their dogs. He knew everyone by name, so the neighbors have said that he was a pillar to their neighborhood.

Charles leaves behind a loving family who were the center of his world. He is survived by his son, Charles J. Kirby III, and his daughter, Pamela Lynn Pereira. His grandchildren — Cassandra “Cassie” Pereira, Samantha Pereira, and Jodi-Lynn Pereira — carry his legacy forward with warmth and affection. His siblings, Tom Kirby (Mary Lou) of Rhinebeck, NY, Rick Kirby (Millie) of Fall River, MA, and Alice Kirby-O'Meara (John) of Kingston, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews, his ex-wife, Patricia DeMauro of Little Egg Harbor formerly of Denville, who all share the deep sorrow of loss and the beauty of a life well lived. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Charles John Kirby and Marion (Werner) Kirby, and his sister Eileen Terlecky and Brother-In-Law Peter Terlecky, whose memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them.

The community will gather to honor Charles’s remarkable life at The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, Inc., located at 86 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ, on April 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. The burial will take place at the Northern NJ Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta, NJ, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Charles J. Kirby Jr.’s legacy is one of courage, integrity, and unwavering love. He was a steadfast friend, a proud patriot, and a deeply cherished father whose memory will forever echo in the love of those who knew him. His life was a generous gift to all who crossed his path, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of dedication and kindness.