Charles R. DeBrock

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles R. DeBrock of Pompton Plains, NJ.

Charles passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.  He was born in his family home in Hawthorne, NJ and was the youngest of ten children to Peter and Amelia DeBrock.  Charles’ mother had passed away while he was a young boy.  These circumstances led him to move in with his sister Elenore and other siblings for various periods of time.

He attended Central High School in Paterson and graduated with the class of 1948.  Following his high school graduation, Charles felt it in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army.  While serving in the US Army, Charles was stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky where he was assigned as an LT VEH Driver.  Charles was awarded the Korean Service Medal, three Bonze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, as well as the National Defense Service Medal.  Charles served honorably and proudly in the US Army from 1951 to 1953.  

After his honorable discharge from the armed forces, Charles found work quickly with Erie Railroad where he worked for several years.  He took advantage of the GI Bill and went to school at night and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting.  Subsequent to earning his degree in Accounting, Charles again found employment quickly with Trans Colonial Trucking located in Suffern, NY.  Charles’ career with Trans Colonial spanned more than twenty years.  Following the closing of Trans Colonial, Charles accepted an accounting position with Walter Bauman Jeweler in West Orange, NJ.  He later earned his Real Estate License and was employed with Stoney Brook Realty in Towaco until his retirement in 1995.  Charles continued working part time in Real Estate for many years after his official retirement.

As a young man, Charles met an attractive young lady who worked in the State Employment Office named Carmela Ciarla.  At first Carmela wasn’t interested in Charles and was trying to fix him up with one of her friends, however, they agreed to go out on a date together to see a Rock Hudson movie.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and they became husband and wife in 1955 at St. Anthony’s RC Church.  They settled in Wayne, NJ after getting married and while residing there, they welcomed the births of all five of their children.  After raising their family in Wayne, in 1977 Charles and Carmela moved to Pompton Plains where they remained for the rest of their lives.  

Charles was a truly devoted husband and dedicated himself to caring for his wife Carmela when she fell ill.  Charles and Carmela cherished their fifty-seven years in their loving and loyal marriage together until Carmela’s passing in December of 2012.  

Charles enjoyed the art of woodworking, oil painting and took delight in fresh water fishing.  He was an outstanding cook and loved to bake.  He was famous by family and friends for his Peach Tart and his Chocolate Chocolate cake.  He was also a devoted New York Giants fan.  But aside from all of Charles’ talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Charles than providing for and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Charles was not only dedicated to his family but also to his Catholic Faith.  He and his family were parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church in Pompton Plains for many years.  

Charles will forever be remembered as a humble man who was liked by everyone that met him.  He was funny, uplifting to others, and often times selfless.  He always had a positive attitude and was able to see the good in people.  He had an infectious personality that left an impression on all those around him.  Charles will be sincerely missed by his family and friends. Including his girlfriend Diane Kayser of ten years. Diane and Charles met at a grief meeting after they both lost their spouses. They spent the last ten years traveling,  going out to dinner, spending time at the casino, enjoying shows and solving puzzles.

Charles is survived by his five children; his daughter Theresa Rink and her husband Donald of Wanaque, NJ, his son Christopher DeBrock and his wife Laura of Towaco, NJ, his daughter Lisa Kane and her husband David of Kinnelon, NJ, his daughter Eileen Schissler and her husband Mark of Flanders, NJ, and his daughter Paula DeBrock of Pompton Plains, NJ,  twelve grandchildren; Erica Torres, Brandon Rink, Christopher DeBrock, Kelsy DeBrock, Kristen Abou-Ezzeddine, Heather Schissler, Kaitlyn Schissler, Troy Kane, Kyle Kane, Sean Kane, Sierra Messina, and Chas Messina, and two great grandchildren; AJ Torres and Amelia Mae Torres.  He was predeceased by his wife Carmela DeBrock in 2012 and by his siblings, Elenore, Jean, Peter, James, Dorothy, Edna, Ruth, Edith, and Mildred.