Obituary of Charles Billand

Charles Billand Jr. Passed away at Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover, NJ on Friday August 12, 2016. He was 87 years old. He was predeceased by his parents Charles Billand Sr., and Catherine (Hoernlein) Billand, and by his son Gary Michael Billand in 1999. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dolores (Cardone) Billand of Denville, NJ. He is also survived by his loving son Ronald Charles Billand of Denville, NJ. Charles was kind, loving, compassionate, generous, empathetic, and ABOVE ALL LOVED to make people laugh. All around a beautiful person. Born 1929 in Newark NJ to Charles Billand Sr. & Catherine Hoernlein (Billand). In 1951 Charles was drafted into the US Army, and, served active duty in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 and remained in the Army Reserve until 1957. Charles Billand married Dolores Cardone Oct, 16 1954 and remained married for 62 years. Charles and Dolores had two sons Gary, who was born in 1959 and Ronald, who was born in 1963. Charles and Dolores suffered the loss of Gary in 1999. Gary was 39 years old. Charles joined Newark Police in 1956 where he served the public for 30 years, retiring in 1986. Charles, Dolores, and their two sons moved from Newark, NJ to Denville, NJ in 1973 where he lived until his death. He wanted a better life for his family and he would commute to Newark every day for over 15 years. Charles was an avid fisherman. He would often take his family on day long fishing/picnic trips to various lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout North Jersey. Round Valley, Spruce Run, Budd Lake, Lk. Hopatcong are some examples. Later in life he fished the local lakes with his son; Rock Ridge Lake, Cooks pond, Rockaway River. Charles loved boxing, if he couldn't get to the fight, pay-per-view was the next best thing. In his home there lies a pile of old boxing magazines from the 50's, 60's, 70's. Charles loved music, big band and jazz, all the greats would be playing on the stereo in his house. Maynard Ferguson, Stan Getz, West Montgomery, even contemporary artists Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, but his all time favorite was Frank Sinatra. Charles loved the Jersey Shore, and, in his early years would take his family to Wildwood Beach for summer vacations every year for 10 plus years. Later in life Charles and Dolores would frequent Atlantic City for night life and entertainment. After retiring from Newark Police Charles became a bicycling enthusiast. Cycling for both fun and keeping with a healthy lifestyle. He would ride 20 miles a day in his sixties. Yes everyone has vices, a good cigar, 18 year scotch and a ton of laughs would go hand in hand when Charles enjoyed the company of his friends, relatives, and family. Charles loved America, he flew an American flag everyday, and, he also flew a POW/MIA flag. Having been drafted he was empathetic to those who had never made it home. Charles made numerous donations to Veterans organization. That's just the kind of person he was. Charles lived a long life, traveled the world in his youth, served the public for 30 years, and enjoyed 30years of retirement. He cherished the moments with his family, relatives, and friends. Enjoyed the art, music, sports, and activities that the world offered. Charles lived his life to the fullest. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 27th at 10:30 am at St. Mary's RC Church, 15 Myers Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. May he rest in peace.