Charles was born November 28, 1936 in Teaneck, NJ to Charles and Helen (Lewandowski) Bihler. He was a 1954 graduate of Leonia High School and a graduate of Rutgers University in 1959. From his earliest days, Charles always had an intense love for classical music, whether it was playing the French horn, singing in chorus or leading the Rutgers Glee Club in college. One of the highlights of his college years was singing with great orchestras including the New York Philharmonic with Leonard Bernstein and the Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy.
Charles began his music-teaching career at Hubbard Junior High School in Plainfield, NJ and continued teaching at Terrill Junior High School in Scotch Plains, NJ, instilling a love of music in many young students, some of whom remained friends throughout his life. He became a Library-Media-Technology Director for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, NJ, then for South Orange-Maplewood, NJ, and finally as Coordinator of Media for Greenwich, CT public schools. In all of these, he oversaw the creation of district-wide library-media and technology programs from the ground up. Charles ended his career by returning to his first love as the music teacher and choral director of Sturgis Charter School in Hyannis, MA.
Charles truly lived life to the fullest. He was a member of various church choirs and choral societies in NJ, CT and most recently in Cape Cod, MA as a long standing member of the Chatham Chorale singing alongside his wife. He enjoyed gardening and camping up and down the US East Coast and Eastern Canada. He shared his home with many dogs and cats over the years. Another of his many accomplishments was renovating his various homes. He was an avid reader of both US and world history and had a passion for all things Christmas, including 12 ft. tall decorated trees and a Christmas card that he published annually.
Charles touched many lives over the years including dozens of lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Kate), son Charles Bihler and wife Ellen, daughter Nancy (Bihler) Flaherty and husband John, grandchildren Courtney and Conor Flaherty, and nephew Richard Gallione. A memorial service will be planned for 2019 with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite choral, church or educational music program. Share music forward in honor of all Charles has done.
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