Obituary of Charles Flatt
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Flatt, Jr. on January 18th, 2024, surrounded by love and family. Charles lived to the age of 92 and was well known by all as a kind and caring man with a love for laughter. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many.
Charles was born in Ledgewood, NJ then later moved to Boonton where he resided for 70 years. Charles served in the Korean War as a cook stationed in Germany in the Army. Upon his return from Germany with his bride to be’s beautiful engagement and wedding ring, he married the love of his life Caroline Gray on Valentine’s Day, 1954 at St. John’s Church in Boonton.
After a job at Aircraft Radio, he decided to apply the skills he learned in Masonry to start his own business in Boonton as a Mason and Tile Contractor. Charles was always a very hard worker and never stopped providing for his family. He took pride in his business and enjoyed taking care of his house.
Charles devoted his time to his family, with weekend fishing with his son, or just taking walks with his daughters. Cherished memories of Halloween’s past trick or treating till the pillow cases were full to the top, sneaking pieces of candy along the way, (as he along with his sisters were sweet tooth’s). Once a year at Easter the family would jump in the car and then later a truck camper and head to Florida and Tennessee to visit friends. One special vacation was to Lake George, he was very restless and decided to ask the owner of the cabins for some odd jobs during the family’s stay, too much relaxing was not something Charles could easily do.
After work, the garage is where you could find Charles, welding, painting cars and hanging out talking to friends. Charles spent many evenings sitting on the porch talking to friends and neighbors. Spending time at Scerbo Buick and Mafedonia’s Bakery, just shooting the breeze.
In later years, he retired for a short time and then realized it wasn’t for him and got a job working for the Johansson family, taking care of their animals. Charles loved animals and at home had many dogs through the years as well. The family had Penny the Dachshund, Pepe the Poodle, Midnight and Champ the black German Shepherds to name a few.
Later in life after his beautiful bride went to heaven, he got joy out of spending time with family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charles loved being outside sitting on his front porch, passing the time scratching off those lottery tickets, still trying to find a way to make money for his family. Talking and waving to the neighbors; young and old. The younger ones would actually call him Pop Pop too, as he would often like to treat them with a couple of coins or even a dollar. He especially loved Halloween to see all the children having so much fun.
We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, Charles is now reunited with those who predeceased him; his beloved wife Caroline, his daughter Allison Brengel, his son Charles Flatt III, his parents Grace and Charles Flatt Sr., sisters Dorothea Baylor, Phyllis Gray and brother John Flatt.
It is now that we look to those he leaves behind to pass along his wonderful stories. He leaves beautiful memories behind to his sister Alice (Ralph) Barbato, daughter Sandy (Russell) Baldini and Son in Law Steve Brengel. His sweet grandchildren Casondra (Justin Platt) Rolph, Cameron Rolph, Sarah (John) Connelly, Jessica Flatt, Nicole Brengel, Matthew (Vicky) Brengel, Nicholas Brengel. His cherished great grandchildren Johnny, Cooper, Jaxson, Nico, Mia, Jacob and Christian. Along with many loving nieces, nephews and best friends Richie (Marilyn) Davis.
A Memorial Service in Charles’ honor will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10th at 3 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Boonton. Donations in his name may be made to the good work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by way of www.inmemof.org. or Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad via venmo @Boonton-ems, or via checks mailed to P.O. Box 16, Boonton N.J. 07005.
Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share your favorite memory of Charles here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine.
