Obituary of Charles H. Smith
Charles “Chuck” H. Smith, age 69, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 28, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Brick, NJ.
Chuck was born in Lakehurst, NJ on November 7, 1953 to Helen and Charles V. Smith. After graduating from Lakewood High School in 1972, he joined the Army to serve his country of which he was so proud. Chuck was a volunteer member of Lakewood Fire Department Engine Company No.1 during the late 1970’s. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science from Trenton State College and his Masters of Public Administration from Seton Hall University. Chuck’s thirst for knowledge continued throughout his 33-year career with the Lakewood Police Department. He attended classes and served on many committees including the Municipal Alliance, Emergency Planning Council, and served as Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management. He retired as Deputy Chief of Police in 2011. Among his innumerable accomplishments and well-deserved accolades, Chuck received the Paul H. Buckelew Humanitarian Award in 2003 and a Valor Award from the 200 Club in 2004. Even in retirement, Chuck was known for his enthusiasm and passion for teaching all subjects related to municipal policing and homeland security.
Chuck was an avid reader and loved spending time with his family of “bookworms” at Barnes & Noble. Chuck leaves behind the “Lady” of his life, Maureen Rossi, and their combined family of five children: Anna Helen Malyj (Alan) of Geneva, NY; Matthew Smith (Brittany) of Tuckerton, NJ; Gary Rossi (Elaine); and Christopher Rossi (Sarah) of Brick, NJ; and Nicholas Rossi (Kate) of Point Pleasant, NJ. He also leaves behind his most adored grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Liam, Sage, Mila, Nolan, and Lola. Chuck is also survived by his other “Mom,” Charlotte “Bunny” McCarthy; brother, George P. Smith (Irene) of Toms River; sisters, Mary Ellen Brase (William) of Johnson Creek, WI and Patricia A. Elliott (Robert) of Toms River; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m., Thursday, June 1 the Pable Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road, where at 6 p.m. a service will be held. In accordance with Chuck’s wishes, he will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Chuck's favorite charities: Saint Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org , Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or Tunnels To Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org.
Tributes and condolences are welcome at www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com