Charles H. Hargreaves

Charles Hargreaves, a longtime resident of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 7th, 2022 at the age of 101 while receiving loving care from his family.

He was born on May 23rd, 1921 in Prospect Park, New Jersey to William and Emma Hargreaves.  The youngest of four children Charles grew up in Paterson, New Jersey and attended Eastside High School, graduating with the class of 1939. After graduating he worked Schneckenberger's Bakery, the family business in Paterson.

Charles was a member of a rapidly shrinking “Greatest Generation”, those who grew up during the Great Depression and as young adults fought in World War II, or whose labor helped win the war.

After the Unites States’ entered into World War II, Charles enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp in 1942. His tours of duty took him to Italy and Africa, where he served as a staff sergeant in Ordinance. Charles received multiple honors for his service including the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. Charles’ service to his country had a profound effect on his life and resulted in him becoming a great patriot.  Throughout his life he donated regularly to American Veterans’ charities and the American Diabetes Association.

Upon his discharge from service, Charles worked at Hawthorne Rubber for his brother-in-law.  After a few years he was employed as a purchasing agent for Harmon Colors Corp, Allied Chemical, Mobay Chemical and then Bayer. He was truly loved and respected by his colleagues and cherished a career that spanned nearly 48 years until his retirement in 1993.

Charles met Peggy Fredericks on a blind date in the early 1940’s.  The couple eloped to Maryland (with the assistance of Peggy’s aunt Lil) and were married on July 27th 1954. The newlyweds settled in Totowa NJ where their first two children were born; Marc and Karen. In 1963, as the family grew, they moved to Wayne NJ where their third child Paul was born. Charles enjoyed gardening and meticulously cared for his yard and gardens. He loved his family deeply.  Providing for and spending time with his family was his greatest passion and was always willing to help family and friends at any time. Nothing in the world meant more to Charles than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He treasured vacationing with his family at the Jersey Shore points including; Avon by the Sea, Point Pleasant, and Asbury Park. Charles and his wife Peggy enjoyed dining out together eating fine food and enjoying the company of friends. He and Peggy cherished their forty-six year loving and loyal marriage until Peggy’s sudden passing in December of 2000.  

Charles was a quiet, soft spoken private man who kept to himself.  He will be remembered by those closest to him as a deeply caring, loving, and generous person.  He was wonderfully organized, “having a place for everything and everything in its place.”  Charles touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Charles is survived by his sons Marc Hargreaves and his wife Susan of Lakeland FL, Paul Hargreaves of Wayne NJ; daughter Karen Stone and her husband Bill of Nazareth PA; grandchildren Marc Hargreaves Jr.and his wife Katie of Lakeland FL, Steven Hargreaves of Lakeland FL, Ryan Hargreaves and his wife Margarita of Lakeland FL, Kiel Stone and his significant other Meredith Delaware of Fairfax VA, Garrett Stone and his significant other Sarah Hanson of Salt Lake City, UT and Braden Stone and his wife Camille of Nazareth PA; one great granddaughter, Mila Hargreaves and a future great grandson Stone due in March; two nieces Barbara & Kristin; he was predeceased by two sisters Gladys Young & Alice Esselman; and one brother Vincent Hargreaves.

The world has lost a true patriot whose love for his family ran deep and will never be forgotten.  Charles will be remembered as an amazing husband, father & grandfather who lived life to its fullest!

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ name may be made to Valley Hospice, 15 Essex Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652 www.valleyhealth.com