Obituary of Charles J. Fischer

Charles J. “Charlie” Fischer passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in the comfort of his home in the Indian Lake section of Denville. He had shared nearly 90 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Denville to the late Paul Fischer and Lena Zieglmeier, Charlie was the youngest of five children to bless the Fischer household. The Fischer family grew up creating lifelong friendships in Indian Lake. Charlie graduated from Dover High School, Class of 1953, the richest man ever. He had begun a relationship with Rose Marie Catillo during High School; a relationship that would last a lifetime. He proudly served our country in the United States Army just after the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge in March of 1956, Rose Marie was still eager to spend her life with Charlie. The two were wed on October 13, 1956 and settled into Indian Lake to raise a family of their own. Charlie always worked hard to support his family. He began his career as a Tool and Dye maker for the Mechanical Institute of Boonton before he began his professional career at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton. He retired in 1997 after over 35 years of dedication as the Director of Procurement.

Charlie was truly a one-of-a-kind man, husband, father, brother, and friend. If you have had the privilege of spending time with him, you would know everything in life is a “character building” lesson. He adored spending time with his family. This social butterfly could not stay home! When he wasn’t with family, you could find Charlie at the Indian Lake Community Club where he was a lifelong member. He had served on the Board of Trustees for 25 years and even became the President for two terms. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Denville where he volunteered as an Usher. He was also a member of the Denville VFW Post #2519, Knights of Columbus Council #3359, The Township of Denville Environmental Commission, The Township of Denville Rivers and Streams Commission, and of course, The International Association of Turtles. Additionally, Charlie was on the Memorial Services Association where they would visit veterans’ graves prior to Memorial Day, to plant flowers and make sure their grave was being taken care of; truly remarkable. When he wasn’t volunteering his time or spending quality time with loved ones, Charlie did it all! He loved to hunt, fish, water ski, snow ski, play cards, go bowling, play golf, and play tennis. To say he will be missed is an understatement. The town of Denville is a much better place for having had Charlie as long as we did. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rose Marie, his parents and siblings, Lorenz “Larry” Fischer, Paul Fischer, Jr., Michael John Fischer, and Mary Lena Fischer.

He leaves only joyful memories to his loving children, Julie Anne Bott and her husband Steve of Lake Wylie, SC; Charles “Chuck” Joseph Fischer, Jr. of Andover; Thomas Paul Fischer and his wife Dana of Basking Ridge; his cherished grandchildren, Kent Truslow and his wife Addy; Alexandra Vrabel and her husband John; Julia Poston and her husband Rob, Taylor Rice and her husband Anthony, Zachary Fischer, and Luke Fischer; his treasured great-grands, Owen and Scarlett Truslow and McKenly and Sophia Vrabel; his caring nephews, Lorenz Fischer and his wife Jennifer, Paul Fischer and his wife Jennifer, and Michael Fischer; his doting caregiver, Cee; and many other dear extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery in Denville. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Charlie here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light radiate.