Born in Jersey City, Chuck moved at the age of seven to Clark and graduated from Arthur L. Johnson High School in 1975. He then attended Rutgers College where he studied chemistry and met Joan, his wife of 45 years. They were longtime residents of San Antonio, TX prior to settling back in NJ, where Chuck lived out his life.
After college, Chuck worked in a Catalyst Testing Laboratory for Engelhard Corporation in Menlo Park, NJ. He finished his career in the testing of jet fuels and lubricants and was a member of American Society of Testing and Materials. He started as a lab technician with Alcor Petroleum Instruments in San Antonio, TX and worked his way up to the Laboratory Manager position. Chuck’s final employment was with Anderol in East Hanover, NJ as a Quality Manager.
Chuck grew up enjoying the beach, taking in the ocean air and surf fishing with his family. When he moved farther away from the beach, he found lake fishing to be his next passion. Being born in Jersey, he was inherently a loyal Giants fan, as well as the Mets. Chuck had a love for music, especially the Oldies. He was always available to lend a helping hand to his family and friends. Chuck will be truly missed by all the lives he touched.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Bertsch. He leaves behind his wife, Joan Reilly-Bertsch; his sister, Carolyn Castro and her husband, Nolan; his brother, Christopher and his wife, Laurie; his sister, Cyndi and her husband, Scott; his nieces Shannon, Ashley and Victoria; and his nephew, Ian.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made in Chuck’s memory to the American Cancer Society for Kidney Cancer or to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
