Charles Richard Hutzler

Our beloved dad, Charles Richard Hutzler, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, February 24 after a sudden and severe stroke. He will rejoin his wife, Mary, later this week at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. He always said they would go back to where they started.

At 100 years young, Charles was proud to be living independently at Watercrest Senior Living in Naples, Florida, near his eldest son. He valued strong family ties. He is survived by two sisters and his three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He stayed in touch with four generations of family, remembering birthdays and special occasions with email and e-cards because his vision became too poor to write notes clearly.

Charles lived a full and happy life. Married 68 years to Mary, who passed at 90, he was a loving husband and father. He served in WWII, after his first attempt to enlist was rejected for his near-sighted vision. He simply returned to the recruiter for a second chance after memorizing the eye chart. His determination ultimately got him assigned to a US Army troop ship. From March 1942 to July 1944, he navigated the globe for his part in transporting troops in and out of US Army missions.

Charles later spent his career in community branch bank management. He was well- respected in his professional life and an important member of his family in his personal life. He will be remembered well for his strong family values, personal integrity and determination to live well on his own terms. He will be missed and loved always.