Charles “Charlie” Robertson

Charles Mario Robertson, nee Ciarfella, of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Known as Charlie to friends and family, he was the owner of Robbie's Music in Wayne for over 60 years.

Charlie was born in 1927, one of nine children to Roberto and Libertina Ciarfella in the Riverside section of Paterson, NJ. The family later moved to Hawthorne where he graduated from Hawthorne High School.

At age 14, restless and growing up during the Great Depression, Charlie and a few friends decided to "see the world." They hitch hiked and jumped freight trains on their way to the Grand Canyon, having many memorable adventures along the way, including nights in jail for vagrancy where Charlie always commented that it was good to occasionally get a warm bed and a hot meal while on "the road!" Thankfully, all returned home safely and in time for school to begin in the Fall.

In his youth, Charlie also belonged to the Golden Gloves boxing program in Paterson. While not a very good boxer, he was always a good sport. Charlie earned the nickname "Canvas Back," and graciously endured the endless teasing of friends for his "less than stellar" skills in the ring.

Charlie was drafted and served in World War II in the Army Air Force Division. He served primarily in Berea, Ohio where he was a member of the ground crew.

After being honorably discharged, Charlie attended college at Florida Southern University on the GI bill, completing his Baccalaureate degree in just over two years.  It was during this time that he legally changed his name from Ciarfella to Robertson.

He eventually returned home to work in the family business, Robbie's Music, started by his father in 1927. The business was successful and grew to include several locations, including the one in Wayne that Charlie owned for over 60 years.  Known as "Mr Robbie", Charlie loved his business and never thought of it as "work." Retail, specifically wheeling and dealing, was in his blood. Luckier than most, Charlie loved what he did for a living. He was also well known and well liked among his employees and peers in the music industry.

In 1957, Charlie met and married Marion DeGrezia of Paterson. She was the love of his life. They met at a meeting of the New Jersey Wiz Skiiers Ski Club where they were both members. After a year of dating, Charlie proposed marriage by holding a box with an engagement ring and saying "here...look!" They married at St. Joseph's Church in Paterson on September 28, 1957, which was also Charlie's 30th birthday. The reception was held at The Fiesta and they honeymooned in Bermuda. After living in Clifton for several years, they eventually settled in Wayne where they raised their three daughters. It was a loving and comfortable marriage.

Charlie leaves behind Marion, his wife of almost 63 years, daughter Lynn Robertson and partner James Dupree, Janice Robertson Craig, husband Michael, grandsons Andrew and Daniel, and Elayne Robertson Demby, husband Glenn and grandchildren Evan and Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to NEHSA.org or the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.