Charles Tahan

Charles Edward Tahan, age 77 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2021.

Charles grew up on Rowland Avenue in Clifton, New Jersey with his parents and 4 siblings.  He graduated from Clifton High School and went on to Masters Beauty School graduating in 1962. Charles was a resident of Wayne since 1968.

He created a lifetime career in cosmetology.  Charles opened Coiffures by Charles on Livingston Street in Clifton soon after graduation and built a thriving business for 10 years.  He built the Countee Academy of Hair Design in Wayne where he was owner, partner, teacher, director and stylist.  Charles recruited students from local high schools and taught hundreds of students the art of hair design along with managing the salon.  He was proud of the high completion rate of students that took and passed the state board test.  Charles continued to teach all subjects of cosmetology at Wilfred Academy in their 4 locations as the New Jersey Style Director.   He brought new procedures to the school with innovation and creativity.   Charles then opened The Hair Studio in Wayne in 1986 and operated this full-service family salon for 20 years.  He was the Director of Education at European Academy of Cosmetology responsible for the overall level of education and management of assigned campus.  Charles was responsible for creating and sustaining academic and professional excellence for students and faculty.    He was later the program manager of Blanco Cosmetology School where he created and wrote the school curriculum, set-up the bulletin of information, syllabus and designed the floor plan for state approval.

Charles had a spirited personality. He made his presence known not by his words but by his outlandish golf attire, loud ties, and his crazy pants. He embraced his Syrian heritage and always celebrating with his extended family – food, family and music.   He was an active member of St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park.  He enjoyed serving on the church advisory committees, working the festival booths, and playing at the annual golf outings. Outside of the church community, he loved deep sea fishing and crabbing, cooking classes, classic cars, and spirited conversations with all friends and family.   He was the family historian, knowing how each member was intertwined within the group.  He was proud of his family and always wanted to be a part of each celebration.

Charles proudly held the following licenses: New Jersey Cosmetology – Hairstylist, New Jersey Cosmetology Teacher and New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Salesperson / Referral license.  He was certified in 2005 with his New Jersey Teaching Certification.  Charles’ affiliations as Member of the Official Hair Fashion Committee, Member of the Hair America Teaching area of the PBA/NCA, Styles Director of NJCA, Chairman of the Official Hair Fashion Committee, Vice President of NJCA, President of the NJCA New Jersey Cosmetologist Association.  Charles was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 240, Woodland Park, NJ.

His most notable and impactful contribution was when he was appointed area trainer for the Look Good, Feel Better Program by the PBA/NCA.  Charles volunteered his skills selflessly, working directly with cancer patients to uplift their spirits. He taught them techniques of make-up application and facilitating their ability to obtain wigs and hair pieces that would always be a welcome healing moment. He met each patients needs when they were at their lowest point in their treatments and put a smile on their face.

Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patti Coussa Tahan, his four children; Claudine Tahan-Tunbakji and her husband Samer of Wayne, Charles E Tahan, Jr and his wife Susie of Wayne, Patti Ann Cadet and her husband Juan Carlos of Clifton and Renee Faraj and her husband Maher of Franklin Lakes along with his six grandchildren Faith, Chloe, Noah, Lucas, Maxwell and Amir. His sister Mary Ann Hine and her husband George of Sea Girt, his brother Paul Tahan and his wife Debbie of Wayne, his brother Thomas Tahan and his fiancée Debbie Passenti of Brick, his sister-in-law Mary Tahan of Kinnelon, and his brother-in-law Eddy Coussa and his wife Ann of Pompano Beach, FL. Charles loved his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased his parents Basil and Lillian Tahan and his brother John Tahan.

In remembrance of Charles Tahan’s life, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in his honor.  St Ann Melkite Catholic Church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 07424