Charles (Chuck) Tahaney, Jr, a third generation favorite son of Livingston, passed away quietly on February 10, 2021, with his wife by his side. Chuck was born in 1945 in Summit, NJ to Helen (Falk) Tahaney and Charles Tahaney, Sr.
Educated in the Livingston public schools, he was a proud graduate of the LHS class of 1963. He graduated in 1967 from St. Peter's College, Jersey City with a BS in English/Education. In 1972 he earned an MBA in public administration from Seton Hall's Paul Stillman School of Business.
His military experience began in 1963 as a freshman at St. Peter's College, Jersey City where he participated in the ROTC program. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. Chuck served in an Advanced Infantry unit in Vietnam (HHC 2nd Bn Mech 8th Inf 4th Inf Div), was wounded in combat and awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze star for valor. He held our country's veterans in the highest regard. He was a life member of the Livingston VFW
Post 2856.
Chuck spent his more than 36 year career in public service, embracing the motto "service above self." He became the assistant township manager to Livingston's first town manager Robert Harp, who was his mentor and friend. Chuck served as town manager of Montville Township for six years before returning to Livingston to assume duties as manager when Mr. Harp retired. Chuck was a silver shining thread in the fabric of Livingston. He cared for his employees and was ready with a smile and sometimes easily moved to tears with pride and emotion. Chuck completed his tenure as manager and retired in 2005.
As a widely respected civil servant Chuck received many awards and citations from state and local government organizations. In the late 1980s he travelled to Russia as a delegate with the ICMA representing NJ. In 2010 he was honored as Unico Citizen of the Year. Chuck was a veteran honoree selected by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2015. He served as a past president of NJMMA. In 2019 he was honored at the League of Municipalities with a recognition of fifty years service in NJMMA. He was well thought of in the professional managers' community.
After retirement Chuck continued to serve the town for 15 years as a volunteer for a number of civic projects and service organizations. He was a member of the Town Golf Committee, the Board of Trustees of the Livingston Public Library and the Livingston First Aid Squad.
Playing golf was Chuck's passion. He loved the game and the time spent with his golfing buddies. Chuck treasured his childhood memories of the summers spent on the beaches of LBI and continued to make memories for his children and grandchildren every summer. Chuck most enjoyed the comfort of being with family and friends. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and he loved with intensity. He was a devoted husband and father. Chuck was a symbol of inspiration and encouragement to the countless individuals whose lives he touched.
Predeceased by his parents, Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Eileen (O'Keefe) Tahaney; his son, Matthew Charles Tahaney (Elizabeth) of Braintree, Massachusetts; his daughter, Erin Norris (John) of Morris Plains, NJ; and three grandsons, Charles Tahaney, Michael (Mickey) Tahaney and James Norris, Chuck's collective "pot of gold!” “The guys" loved their Pa with a special bond and affection. Chuck leaves behind his sister-in-law, Donna Brown (Todd); his brother-in-law, Brian O'Keefe (Sharon); his aunt, Mary Falk; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends all over the country.
A private service for family will be celebrated with a mass at St. Philomena Church on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Once it is safe to gather, the family will hold a memorial celebration of Chuck's life.
If you wish, please consider a gift to either The Livingston First Aid Squad, The Livingston Fire Department, The Livingston Public Library or St. Philomena Church.
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