Charlie leaves behind a devoted family including his beloved wife Caroline (nee, Sano) of 69 years; 4 daughters: Susan Ranucci, Janet Ranucci, Barbara Carroll (Kevin), and Christine Ippolito (Peter); 7 grandchildren: Michelle, Stephanie (Seth), Jesse (Megan), Elizabeth, Stephen, Allison, and Lauren; and 4 great grandchildren: Mila, Charlie, Josie, and Michael. He was predeceased by his siblings Ralph Ranucci and Grace Catalano, and leaves his sister Marie Grant.
Charlie was born, grew up, married, and raised his family in the Bronx, NY until moving to Toms River, NJ in 1994. A proud World War II Veteran and patriot, Charlie was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, stationed in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. After the war, he began his own trucking freight business and then once he started his family, he joined the New York City Department of Sanitation and worked his way up to Superintendent, retiring in 1982.
Over the years, he enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Caroline, where they often hosted visiting family and friends and he could indulge his passion for the beach and fishing. He taught every member of his family to crab and always generously shared his bounty. He will be fondly remembered as a lifelong Yankee fan, a long-suffering Jets fan, and a shrewd card player (he taught all his daughters to be good card players by never letting them win without earning it). He took pleasure in simple things like growing tomatoes in his tiny garden, enjoying a single malt scotch or Irish Whiskey at the end of the day, or taking a ride to the waterfront gazebo with Caroline.
More than anything, Charlie enjoyed spending time with his family. He lit up when his grandchildren and great grandchildren would visit. From birthday celebrations to holidays to Sunday dinners, he would say, “Who has it better than us?”
As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, Charlie leaves a legacy of love and unwavering commitment to those he treasured and in whose hearts he will live forever.
In honor of Charlie’s memory, we invite you to make a donation to Embracing HospiceCare, which provided compassionate support and comfort to him and his family during his final days.
Embracing HospiceCare of New Jersey
3349 Route 138
Building D, Suite F
Wall, NJ 07719
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