Tribute Wall
Thursday
23
July
At-Risk Family & Friends
11:45 am
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Rockaway River Country Club
39 Pocono Road
Denville, New Jersey, United States
(973) 627-0063
Thursday
23
July
Public Visitation
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Rockaway River Country Club
39 Pocono Road
Denville, New Jersey, United States
(973) 627-0063
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Gregg Gethard posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
I just learned of Charlie's passing today. I still remember the first time I rode The Vanpool. I had started a job in New York City and was on Route 46 when a white van pulled up. The window pulled down and someone asked me if I wanted a ride. After a few moments of hesitation, I finally said "sure" and that was not just how I commuted into work for about three years but it became a really great part of my life.
There were so many funny moments on The Vanpool that are too numerous to recount. But I made lasting friendships with my fellow Vanpool commuters -- going to basketball games with some random people I would have never met, the occasional Facebook message and more.
The times I had to take the bus into Manhattan - the faces were filled with just absolute misery. No one wanted to be on that bus. However, anytime I came across a fellow Vanpool passenger, we'd light up and talk in our own secret language.
There aren't a lot of people in this world who will agree to get into a van driven by a person they don't know. But I'm glad that I am and I found others like me.
There are even fewer people in this world who will ask people if they want a ride. I'm so glad Charlie is that person, because he made my life better in a really unexpected way.
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Amelia and Rudi Mezosi posted a condolence
Friday, July 3, 2020
God rest his soul. Happy thoghts to the Merritt family.
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Emily Teresa posted a condolence
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Oh Charlie, you were the one person I thought would’ve made it to 100 +. You never seemed to age and had the strength of an ox! I remember the first time I got on your van in the mid 90’s. You pulled up at the Pine Brook stop and yelled out the passenger window, “Going to NY, anyone want a ride?”. My aunt was standing in line and she said let’s get in. I became a regular after that. I stopped taking "the van" when I started a family. When going back to work in 2008, I saw a van pull up next to the bus stop and two ladies hopped in. I completely forgot about the van since it’s been 10 years. To my surprise and delight, it was Charlie! I’ve been a regular since. There’s been a cast of characters on the van, and was its own little community. It was a nice way to start off our day. I learned new ways to get to Lincoln Tunnel because of your shortcuts. You were a human GPS and always faster than the bus.
Morning commutes will never be the same without you. I’m grateful for having been part of that culture and will miss you. Thank you for the rides. Rest in peace dear Charlie.
Deepest condolences to your family.
Emily Teresa
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Mike Teresa lit a candle
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
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Very sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. Charlie was a gentleman and was always kind to my family and I. I will miss seeing him and the van. Congratulations on a life well lived.
Michael Teresa
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Steven Gothelf posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
I am saddened by the news of charlie's passing. I originally met Charlie at my bus stop in Fairfield while commuting into the city about 12+ years ago. He stopped, rolled down the window and asked "want a ride into the city?". Not quite sure sure why, but I accepted his offer of $5.00! Soon after I found myself becoming a loyal member of Charlie's commuting crew and to me he was always Mr. Reliable. Over the years he did develop a group of "regulars" and it often felt like one big family and many friendships were formed. I know that Charlie enjoyed the van conversations every morning and and we, his passengers always marveled at his ability to find creative ways to circumvent the morning traffic. Of course, over the years there were many funny stories about our daily commute and all the different people (and characters) that passed through his van. In fact, we often commented that we could make our morning commute in Charlie's van into a prime time comedy show. It was truly a pleasure knowing Charlie over all the years. He will be deeply missed and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Charlie's entire family. RIP Charlie.
Steve Gothelf
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Steven Gothelf Posted Jul 1, 2020 at 6:07 PM
Any information about the planned celebration of Charlie's life that may be scheduled for later this month would be appreciated.
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Suzie kovalsky Posted Jul 1, 2020 at 8:40 PM
Steve~thank you for this. You all meant so much to him. You should make that sitcom!
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Liz Merritt Posted Jul 2, 2020 at 10:53 PM
Steve, A Celebration of Life will be held at Rockaway River Country Club in Denville on July 23rd. We ask that "at risk" and older friends and family visit us starting at 11:45. We request that everyone else come between 1:00-3:00. Thank you for your kind words and treasured remembrances.
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Linn Ødegaard posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
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Charlie, you were one of a kind. So loving of your family, including us in Norway. We truly felt you were our boys' great-grandfather. Especially Filip (7), who always said "Mom, Charlie is my oldest friend. Even tho we are very different in age, he knows how to be fun". And that is very true! You had an unique way of seeing everyone around you, no matter age. Adam (2) only got to meet you once, but he loved you from the minute he met you. That's how we will remember you, your wonderful way with people.
We love you and will miss you. Love from Norway.
Kristian Wålberg(son of Bjørn Arne Wålberg/Elizabeth Merritt Waalberg)
Linn H. Ødegaard
Filip Wålberg
Adam Wålberg.
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Barbara Bertschy uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, June 28, 2020
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Leon and I send to you, his family, our deepest sympathy and our condolences. We both have such fond memories of your father, a very smart, sweet man who left us too soon. Having met both your parents at RRCC playing golf and cards, they also made it to our home in VT for the same. I think the playfulness of Charlie is captured in this photo taken by your mother during one of those trips. A good friend, he is already missed. Leon is grateful to have been able to talk with him shortly before his passing.
Barbara Bertschy and Leon Goldstein
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Devin Smith posted a condolence
Friday, June 19, 2020
To Liz and the extended Merritt Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of both of your parents. They were such great friends to my parents and contributed so much to the town and my childhood.
Much Love,
Devin
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Paula posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
I recently read about Charles' death in the Star Ledger. I am so sorry for your loss. Death of a loved one is very distressing even if the person is elderly or sick. The Bible teaches us that death was not part of God's original plan. He wanted man to live forever, in perfect health, on a paradise earth. Man disobeyed God and brought about sin and death to the human race. God's plan will still be realized. Isaiah 55:11 states, "So my word that goes out of my mouth will be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight. It will have sure success in what I send it to do." The Bible talks about a resurrection of those who have died. (Acts 24:15, John 5:28, 29) The Bible account in John 11:1-44 details a resurrection Jesus performed and which gives us the certainty that the resurrection of our loved ones will occur. The word resurrection in the Bible literally means "a standing up again" and "revival of the dead". The provision for resurrection of the dead is a magnificent expression of God's undeserved kindness. It displays his wisdom and power and is a means by which his original purpose regarding the earth and humans will be carried out. There is such a wealth of knowledge and hope we can gain from reading the Bible. Sincerely, Paula
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Murray Robertson posted a condolence
Monday, June 15, 2020
Charlie Merritt was such a fantastic guy. I knew him when I was in high school, having met him at Wes' parties and always enjoyed his company. He attended every one of my son's basketball games and we sat together in the bleachers many times. I knew little about basketball and Charlie would fill me in on the tactics of what was going on. What was right and what was wrong. He held no punches. Honest, hard working, smart man, the leader of the Merritt band will be missed. Prayers to this terrific family.
Murray Robertson
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Julie Burkland Waltz posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2020
Sending lots of love to the entire Merritt family. Have many fond memories of your Dad cheering on Laura and our basketball team. Thinking of you.
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Mike Lyon lit a candle
Thursday, June 11, 2020
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I took the "Charlie Van" into NYC for several years. Charlie didn't collect money for the trip, but the person riding shotgun collected $5 from each rider for a gratuity. One day he told the shotgun "Don't take Mike's money. I never accept money from someone looking for a job." Charlie was that kind of man. Also, if I recall, Charlie was selected for the Brown Basketball Best Players of the 1950s All Star Team.
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jack maypole posted a condolence
Monday, June 8, 2020
Oh, what a sweet man was your dad. While the heavens may have gathered a new star in the night sky, I'll always remember him as a person who ALWAYS had a kind word, and a gentle, thoughtful way of asking after me...and my sibs...and my parents. He listened to the answer, and he cared about what I said as a kid who probably talked too fast or told stories that were too long. What a dynamic duo he and your mom made, they at the center of that fabulous cloud of Merritt siblings! He was a great dad, and he helped us all feel that we were part of a community that cared about us, and cheered for us in all we did. I am glad I've known him. I'm so sorry that you've lost him. Love from our family to yours.
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Judy Sears Schmidt lit a candle
Monday, June 8, 2020
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Matt Wood posted a condolence
Monday, June 8, 2020
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. One night a friend and I walked to Dels Village in the pouring rain to buy snacks. We were soaked! Your dad saw us in line at the store, recognized us, paid for our snacks, and drove us home. He was a true Laker dad.
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Maura O’Toole posted a condolence
Monday, June 8, 2020
Liz, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have fond memories of sharing meals and desserts after the concerts. I enjoyed his stories. I am so sorry for your loss. You, Teo, Ben, and Emily are in my my thoughts.
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Nate Merritt posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2020
My cousins, aunt's, and uncles from my dad's side are here. So as a family we will celebrate what my grandfather did and what he did with us. He taught me some stuff that I should know for life like to give a proper handshake.
Nate Merritt ( grandson 9 years old)
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The family of Charles W. Merritt, Jr. uploaded a photo
Friday, June 5, 2020
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16 RIGHTER AVENUE, DENVILLE, NJ 07834
(973) 627-1880
info@normandean.com
DAVID G. MILNE, MANAGER NJ LIC. NO. 4301
SERVING THE DENVILLE, ROCKAWAY, PARSIPPANY, Mt. Lakes, Boonton,
Morris Plains & SURROUNDING AREAS OF NEW JERSEY SINCE 1957
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