Charles Vreeland

Charles W. “Chuck” Vreeland, Jr., age 91, of Kinnelon, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Chuck had been a proud resident of Kinnelon since the 1960s, a community he genuinely enjoyed.

Born at home in Pompton Lakes, NJ, Chuck was the first of two children of Charles and Christina (Noonburg) Vreeland. His arrival was uniquely special, as he was delivered by his Grandpa Vreeland, a skilled physician. Chuck spent his childhood in Pompton Lakes, enjoying life in the community and excelling academically, graduating from Pompton Lakes High School in 1950.

Chuck pursued a degree in engineering at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. After graduating, he worked briefly as a surveyor before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served stateside from 1956 to 1958, primarily stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Returning home, Chuck began a career in engineering that spanned decades. He first built airplane engines at Curtiss-Wright Aviation Company before joining Picatinny Arsenal, where he made significant contributions as an engineer until his retirement in 1997.

Shortly after his Army service, Chuck met Carol Mae, the love of his life, through mutual friends. Their connection was instant, and they were married on March 3, 1962, at Christ Episcopal Church in Pompton Lakes. After honeymooning in Lake Placid, NY, they settled in Pompton Lakes before building their family home in Kinnelon, where they raised their daughters, Christine and Carin.

When Chuck was just five years old, his father introduced him to chess. When he was nine, young Chuck found a worthy opponent in his Grandmother Vreeland, a skilled chess player herself. She even began calling the house regularly to invite Chuck over for games. It was clear to his parents that Chuck was becoming a remarkably talented player. Eventually, he started winning every game against his grandmother, too. Unsure exactly why he was so successful, Chuck later explained, “I bought a book and learned why.” At summer camp, Chuck’s abilities were undeniable as he defeated everyone he played, from campers to counselors—even men with college-level championship experience. His chess prowess reached new heights at the age of 15 when he beat an international champion named I.A. Horowitz. Chuck was the only one among 31 competitors to defeat Horowitz during the event. The match began at 10:15 a.m., and Chuck didn’t leave the YMCA in Paterson until 1:15 a.m. the next day. When he finally returned home, his parents, upset by his lateness, were skeptical of his explanation. However, their doubts disappeared the next day when a newspaper article featured Chuck’s incredible victory, validating his remarkable achievement.

Chuck’s love for chess was matched by his passion for outdoors. He enjoyed fly fishing in Flat Brook, NY, and spending summer days at the Jersey Shore fishing for bluefish with his father in a boat they co-owned. Tennis was another favorite pastime, with Chuck playing in Saturday morning singles tournaments at Lake Rickabear and often partnering with Carol for doubles matches.

A natural handyman, Chuck built a backyard shed, a swing set for his grandchildren, and countless other projects around the house. He took pride in tending his lawn, cultivating beautiful gardens, and growing fresh vegetables in his home garden. He found great peace and joy in these simple, fulfilling tasks.

In their early years of retirement, Chuck and Carol took to the open road in their RV, exploring America’s beauty. They visited the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam, Acadia National Park in Maine, Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and Assateague Island in Maryland and Virgina where wild horses roam freely, creating lasting memories for the couple.

After nearly 60 years of love, laughter, and partnership, Carol passed away in 2020, leaving a void in Chuck’s life that he filled with the love of his family, particularly his grandchildren. To them, he was the ultimate “Grandpa,” known for his hilarious humor, wit, and wisdom, and boundless patience. He helped with math homework, taught chess, played card games, and taught them how to fish. Whether attending birthdays, school events, or graduations, Chuck and Carol never missed a moment to support and celebrate his grandchildren.

Chuck was a man of contrasts: he could light up a room with his humor and charm but was equally content in quiet solitude, reflecting on his latest pursuit. His absence leaves a profound void, but his family and friends will treasure the countless memories and lessons he left behind.

Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife Carol (nee Decker) in 2020. He is survived by his two loving daughters: Carin Vreeland of Waldwick, NJ and Christine Schneider and her husband Mike of Westbrook, CT; four grandchildren; Michael and Charlie Schneider of Westbrook, CT, Anna Schneider of Boston, Massachusetts, and Nicole Sulikowski of Waldwick, NJ; his dear sister Mary Jane Vreeland-Owens and her late husband Ronald of Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In honor of Charles and Carol’s love of nature, in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Charles’ name are asked to consider:

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey

19 Boonton Avenue

Boonton, NJ 07005

If you prefer to donate by phone, please call 973-541-1010.

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Charles Vreeland.