Charles Charlie Plaia

Charles “Charlie” Plaia, 82, was called home to be with the Lord on December 31, 2010 at the Rose Garden Nursing Home in Toms River. He was born in Newark on October21, 1928. He lived in Newark, Miami, FL and Union Beach before moving Toms River where he lived under the special care of the Twenty One Plus organization for several years.

Charles was a member of ARC of Long Branch and Twenty One Plus where he was known as “The Comeback Kid” which earned him recognition as “Community Star” of NJACP for the year 2005. Charles was mentally challenged but he taught us many lessons of compassion, love, kindness and joy. He touched so many lives and hearts. He will truly be missed by all his family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Frances (Pisciotta) Plaia, his sisters, Connie Willar, Mary Bucher and Catherine DeFalco, his brothers, Sal and Joe Plaia. He is survived by his sister, Angelina Arace of Hollywood, FL. He was an uncle, grand uncle and a great-grand uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial gathering on Saturday, January 15th from 1 to 2pm at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Charlie’s life at 2pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in his name to Solamor Hospice, 1415 Hooper Ave., Suite 203, Toms River, NJ 08753.