Charles Angelo Jacco, affectionately known to friends and family as Charlie, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at the age of 76, in Hackettstown, NJ. Born on January 27, 1949, in Bronx, NY, to Ralph and Gilda “Jean” Jacco, Charlie was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in him the values of love, loyalty, and hard work. His parents, who predeceased him, were a cornerstone of his life, shaping his character and guiding him through both challenges and triumphs.

Charlie is survived by his devoted wife, Eileen (nee Biddiscombe), who was not only his partner but also his best friend. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and an unwavering bond. He is also survived by their three children: Jeanine and her husband Arman, Charlene, and Charles and his wife Kristin. As a proud grandfather, he adored his seven grandchildren: Brady, Andrea, Antonia, Damien, Thomas, Aiden, and Alex, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. He cherished every moment spent with them, ensuring they knew the depth of his love and the importance of family.

Charlie’s legacy is also carried on by his sister, Margaret Martino and her husband John, his brother Ralph Jacco and wife Theadora, as well as his niece Shana and nephew John, who were woven into the fabric of his life. He was also cherished by countless cousins, friends, and colleagues, all of whom will deeply miss him.

A graduate of Mount St. Michael High School, Charlie exhibited a strong sense of duty and service early on in his life. He proudly served for two years in the U.S. Naval Reserves, an experience that shaped his values of discipline and honor. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to the telecommunications industry, his career progressing from NY Telephone to AT&T, then to Lucent, and finally to USIS. His colleagues admired him for his leadership, dedication, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

He was a 9/11 survivor who played a crucial role in restoring emergency communications for the city during the crisis. He managed cabling operations across the five boroughs and, as a victim of 9/11, used his expertise in the telephone company to help get emergency communications back online. Additionally, he had the opportunity to install phone systems for one of our active-duty aircraft carriers.

Outside of his professional life, Charlie was a man of many passions. An avid collector of Lionel trains, he found joy in the intricate details and the stories they told. He loved spending time on the golf course, relishing the camaraderie and the challenge of the game. Charlie enjoyed being on the water in his boat and at their shore house in Little Egg Harbor, savoring the quality time spent with family and friends in a beloved setting. Traveling with Eileen was another of his great joys; they explored new places and created cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Charlie was famous for his extraordinary organizational skills, often playfully dubbed “organized to a fault.” This knack for orderliness came in handy everywhere in his life, ensuring everything ran like a well-oiled machine.  You could say he turned organization into an art form! His friends and family admired his commitment to caring for those he loved, always going above and beyond to ensure their happiness and well-being.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Charlie’s remarkable life will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown, NJ, on Saturday, April 5, from 10 AM to 2 PM with services beginning at 1 pm. After the memorial service, there will be a procession to Union Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, it was Charlie’s wish for contributions to be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), reflecting his deep sense of patriotism and commitment to supporting those in need.

Charlie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His spirit, kindness, and love for family will live on in the hearts of those he touched throughout his life. As we remember Charlie, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, joy, and cherished connections.