OBITUARY

Charles J. Tahaney Jr.

May 2, 1945 – February 10, 2021

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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Charles J. Tahaney Jr.

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Jim Heym

March 1, 2021

My condolences to the Tahaney family. My late father (Herb) worked for the Township of Livingston when Chuck was assistant town manager and I also knew him from my summer jobs with the township during college years. He was a wonderful person and my dad and I both held Chuck in high esteem. Livingston greatly benefited from his service and he touched many lives for the better.
May he rest in peace.

Jim Laurita

March 1, 2021

Very simple . Chuck was one of kindness people I ever knew. God bless you

RIC KARIGS HARDWARE

February 27, 2021

TO: THE ENTIRE TAHANEY FAMILY:
SO SORRY TO HEAR THE NEWS OF CHUCKS PASSING.
CHUCK WAS A FRIEND AND CUSTOMER FOR MANY YEARS.
HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY EVERYONE. HE WAS A TRUE GENTLEMAN. REST IN PEACE OUR DEAR FRIEND.

RIC AND THE ENTIRE STAFF OF KARIGS HARDWARE

Regina Hartlove

February 18, 2021

Dearest Eileen, Matt, Erin, and Family,

We share your sadness as we mourn Chuck’s passing. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and treasured Pa; the epitome of a good man.

Chuck was a friend to all, an inspiration to others, and a loyal son of the community of Livingston.

We know his memory will be cherished by all who were lucky to know him throughout his lifetime, and there were many for sure!

We remember and celebrate Chuck and thank him for his friendship. May God hold him in the palm of His hand.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Jeanie and Dick Hartlove

JUDITH JONES

February 17, 2021

Don and I treasured his friendship. He was so kind and caring when we needed it the most. His smile would light up a room . May Eileen, Erin and Matthew know how deeply he was loved and respected by so many. May he Rest in Peace.
Love, Judy Jones

Barbara Durant

February 17, 2021

To the family of 'Chuck',

I met Chuck in Junior High School and was smitten until I graduated High School. Of course he never knew this as I was very shy and gawky but I always knew that he was kind, humorous and a friend to all.

My sincerest sympathy to his entire family and to all who knew him. The world was certainly a better place for his presence and a great loss to so many.

Barbara Edwards Durant

Kate Connolly

February 16, 2021

I met Chuck when he was Township Manager over 35 years ago. He, Eileen, Matt and Erin became part of our extended family. Chuck was an extraordinary friend to my husband Eddie. They both loved golf, ribbing each other every year over the Army/Navy game, Notre Dame football, reading and of course Jimmy Buffet. They laughed hysterically all the time and only they knew what was so funny.

Every time you saw Eileen and Chuck together, you knew she was the love of his life. He overflowed with love for Matt, Erin, Liz, John, Charlie,Mickey and James ,so much so, his eyes would fill with tears.

Rest in peace our dear friend, until we meet again. Say hi to Eddie for me.
Love you. The Connolly Clan🍀🍀

Linda Zielke (Sutton)

February 16, 2021

A life well lived, a life that touched so many, a life that made a difference.
I was so saddened to learn of Chuck’s passing. My deepest condolences to Eileen, Matthew and Erin.
He was a life long friend who I will remember always for his kindness and compassion. May he Rest In Peace .

Barbara Spies Blair

February 16, 2021





Rest in peace dear Chuck. A true patriot, who put service before self, Chuck exuded honesty, humility and led his family and community with an integrity that was intrinsic to his being. Devoted husband, father, and Pa, may the generosity and joy he lived become his family’s greatest legacy.

Chuck loved Irish blessings. Here’s one to soothe us all who will miss him dearly. 🙏 Barb Spies Blair and Jun Inagaki.

“May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on. “

Patricia Sebold

February 16, 2021

Chuck Tahaney was a very special individual! Chuck Tahaney was Livingston! I will never forget what a wonderful person he was and all that he gave to this community . My heartfelt sorrow to his family. Livingston will never forget Chuck Tahaney!

FROM THE FAMILY