Charles A. Thompson, Jr.

Charles Anthony Thompson, Jr., 76, of Monroe Township passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. 

Born and raised in New York City, New York, Charlie settled in Monroe Township in 1972. He served in the United States Airforce from 1968 to 1972 during the Vietnam Era. Before going into the Airforce and then again, after his discharge, Charlie worked as an engineer for Con Edison in New York City, retiring in 2009 after 41 years of service. He was a long-time communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Milltown, where he served as president of the Right to Life group. He later became a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood. Charlie loved to tinker and there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He enjoyed his daily walks, fresh water fishing and travelling throughout North America and Europe with his wife, Anne, and their circle of friends. He was also an avid history buff with an extensive knowledge of the Battle of Gettysburg and the English Monarchy.

Charlie was my best friend. From the first day I met him, I told myself that he’s the man that I am going to marry.  That was 1964. We were both 16 years old. We married in 1968, 10 days before he went to Vietnam. We traveled a lot, especially to Gettysburg as we were quite the enthusiasts, going every year for 35 years. We were each one half of a whole. God blessed us with 55 years of joy, laughter and especially love. Forever, my Love. – Ann Thompson 

“It was a dark and stormy night….” Wait, sorry, wrong part. Part of any journey is arriving at your destination. It is inevitable, but all the same, we are never quite ready when someone in our lives reaches the end of their road. Where my children and I are fortunate is that we have had multiple lifetimes worth of laughter and fun experiences with you. Thank you for sharing your love of reading, history, corny movies, one liners and for posing the eternal question “Do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb?” -Kathy, Mike and Molly Braniff, Rhyann Hill, Connor Hill 

There isn’t a day that goes by where your influence is not felt. Every time I have to make a decision, whether it be professional, matrimonial or parental, I always try to stop and think what you would do. I am where I am in life because of the determination, compassion, and the grit that you and mom instilled in me. You may be gone from this earth, but your spirit will live on through us for generations. -Patrick Thompson 

Dad, thank you for welcoming me with open arms (and a funny line) into this amazing and funny family for the last 26 years. I never doubted my place because of your warmth and humor. Seriously I sometimes couldn’t even keep up! Thank you and Mom for being amazing grandparents to Sean and Emmy. Thank you for being stern when needed and soft when needed. But most of all thanks for all the laughs, seriously, you made a simple family dinner turn into a stand-up show! And remember, the answer to the question 7 will always be “C,” not “B!” – Janae Thompson 

You were present in all 17 years of my life thus far. I will never forget the kindness you showed to every single person and the way you guided me and so many others. Our family’s love for you is boundless and you will be eternally remembered and missed.  We love you, Papa. - Sean Thompson 

You were my very best friend. Love. – Emmalyn “Sage Bridget Margaret Mary Genius” Thompson 

If I were to accurately describe up all that you taught me, all the love and laughter we had and all the amazing memories, in truth, I would never stop writing. A man I wish who I could be even 10% of the person he was in my life. There wasn’t a single issue I couldn’t talk to you about and you would always help. I couldn’t hide anything from you either as you always knew what I was thinking before I even thought of it. You helped me in my love of science and math, always you and mom supporting me in everything in my life. And I know you will continue to help me even after passing, as the knowledge, humor and love you gave me is invaluable, as you were and are. Thank you forever and good-bye.              - Charles Thompson III 

Predeceased by his parents, Charles, Sr. and Mary, his brothers, James, Steven and John and, his sister, Ginny Svonavec, he is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Anne; his children, Kathleen Braniff and her husband, Michael, Patrick and his wife, Janae and Charles, III; his grandchildren, Rhyann, Connor, Sean, Emmalynn and step-granddaughter, Molly; his nephews, Stephen, Kevin, Michael and Andrew; brother-in-law, Steven Svonavec, many close and dear friends, and; his canine companion, Finnigan. 

Funeral services will begin on Wednesday, February 7th, with a 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood, followed by a committal service with Military Honors in the Chapel at Holy Cross Crematory, South Brunswick. His ashes will be interred in Holy Cross Burial Park on Saturday, February 10th at 12:00 PM. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, February 6th, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Spotswood. 

In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Charlie’s memory may be made to the Spotswood Right to Life c/o Immaculate Conception Church, 18 South Street, Spotswood, NJ 08884 or Life Choices Resources of Metuchen.

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