Charles M Lee of Hackettstown, NJ died peacefully in Morristown, NJ on May 10, 2023, with his children by his side. He was born in Laconia, NH on May 10, 1947.
Charles was an intelligent, well-spoken, funny, and generous man. He graduated from Hackettstown High School in 1965 and went on to graduate from Bucknell University in 1969
with a BA in both English and History. He was a member of the fraternity Phi Sigma Epsilon. In 1972 Charles completed a law degree at Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA and was admitted to law practice in NJ & PA. Charles was a member of the Army ROTC while in law school. He started his law practice with the firm of Stover & Stover in Washington, NJ, later
opening his own practice, Charles M Lee & Associates. Elected to a term on the Warren County Board of Freeholders from 1982-1984, serving as Director in 1984, Charles spearheaded &
oversaw numerous critical Warren County projects, systems, and improvements. He was also active in the Rotary Club of Washington, NJ for many years.
Charles was a multi-talented and multi-faceted man. He earned his private pilot’s license in the late 1970s and flew his own Cessna. He was a man of vast musical talent, proficient in singing,
conducting, and playing the piano, organ, and saxophone. Charles had a love for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, enjoyed home decorating, vacationing in his camper, reading, and staying
attuned to law and politics. Devoted to his church, the First Presbyterian Church of Hackettstown, Charles added his rich baritone to the church choir and served as the church’s
attorney, a ruling Elder, Moderator of the Board of Deacons, substitute organist, and preached and led worship when the church was between ministers, Charles had the ability to connect to others with humor and sincere companionship within moments of meeting him and will be sincerely missed by many.
Charles is survived by his son Brian Lee, daughter Jennifer (Lee) Knittel and her husband Jonathan W Knittel, stepdaughter Karen Staada and her husband Thomas Staada, stepson Joseph Giacomini and his wife Rebecca Giacomini, a grandson Jonathan S Knittel, 3 step-grandchildren Nicholas Staada, Natalie Staada, & Thomas Spencer, a sister Lorraine (Lee) Hoskins, brother James D Lee, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Victoria G Lee and his parents, Mary Kate Lee & Chester W Lee of Hackettstown, NJ.
Visitation will be held at Cochran’s Funeral Home, Hackettstown, NJ on Tuesday, May 16 from 4p-8p and the funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at the First Presbyterian
Church of Hackettstown at 11am with burial following at Union Cemetery, Hackettstown.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cochranfuneral.com
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Stella Wolf Becton says
May 12, 2023 at 7:55 pmTo all of Mr. Lee’s family, thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Joyce Ort Berninger says
May 12, 2023 at 7:56 pmDeepest sympathy to the Lee family. Charles will be missed by many people.
Charles Bell says
May 13, 2023 at 2:02 pmMy wife and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Charles. He has been a great friend of ours for over 40 years. May God ease the pain in the hearts of his family and friends.
Bartku & George Family says
May 13, 2023 at 6:01 pmWe were surprised and saddened to hear about Charles’ passing. He was a good friend, and we will deeply miss him, with heartfelt sympathy for the Lee family.
Joe and Janet Lake says
May 14, 2023 at 1:22 amSincere sympathy to his son, daughter and step children. Thoughts go out to Cynthia Lee as well.
Always a pleasure to run into him in town. He was one of Hackettstown’s best. Fly with the angels old friend.
Ted Palko says
May 14, 2023 at 1:59 pmMy sincere condolences to Charlie’s family and friends on their loss. He was a childhood friend with whom I recall many fond memories. May he rest in eternal peace.
Justin Thomas says
May 16, 2023 at 3:22 amCharles was not someone I got to talk to as much as I would have liked, but I have known his son Brian, etc for going on 38 years. Our band director – Joe Yaremczak asked me to join marching band. Little did I know that I would become so closely connected to Brian – who broadened my perspective musically and socially as we both sought to make the marching band drum section into something that defied stereotypes. Brian’s musical talents far exceed anyone who I’ve every known. His appreciation for music, hearty laugh, and ability to make you feel like you’ve known him forever can be traced at least in part to Charles. May Mr. Lee live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
Linda Burroughs says
May 16, 2023 at 12:43 pmCharles was the greatest, kindest, most loving, generous man I’ve ever known. He gave of himself whenever needed. I will miss him greatly, but will have the memories of him in my heart.
Linda Burroughs says
May 16, 2023 at 12:45 pmCharles was the greatest, kindest, most generous man I’ve ever known. He gave of himself whenever needed. I will miss him greatly, but will have the memories of him in my heart.
Joseph J Libertelli says
May 16, 2023 at 5:32 pmCharles was my brother-in-law ,and I was very much Impressed by his intelligence .He will be sorely missed. We didn”t spend much time together, but what little time we had was precious I will miss you Charles.
Len Morrow says
May 16, 2023 at 5:42 pmMy sincere condolences to Charlie’s family. May he rest in Peace.
Rev. Jeanette Hile says
May 16, 2023 at 6:08 pmWhat a pillar to his church, his family, and his community! My God Bless & Keep and guide his family and friends during this difficult time. May he forever sing with all the angels in heaven!
Rev. Dn. Jeanette Hile
Joseph Kresefsky says
May 16, 2023 at 11:08 pmI didn’t know Mr. Lee personally, however, reading here these beautiful comments about him, it’s obvious that he was a great man and very loved. My wife and I extend our condolences to Jennifer and family.
Robin says
June 18, 2023 at 8:12 pmI’m very sorry to hear this . Charly was a lot of fun . He will be surely missed
Marie & John Chisamore says
May 17, 2023 at 5:01 amOur condolences to all of the Lee family. It was truly a pleasure to have known you and worked with you. I will always remember and appreciate your being Master of Ceremonies at Russell Miles retirement dinner from Warren County. Oh what a job you did! Rest In Peace old friend.
Mary M Z Lenar says
May 17, 2023 at 5:45 pmCharles was an Inspiration to All of Us., who came in Contact with him. A Man with many talents besides being a Lawyer. I got to know Charles because of My Daughter Nicole. May GoD Bless Charles & May GOD Bless his Family during these Difficult Days & Nights. With Our Deepest Sympathy,, Mary & George Lenar
Joseph Thomas says
May 29, 2023 at 1:38 amCharles was a great man. I enjoyed working with him when he was our municipal attorney for Liberty Township. He will be missed.
Eric K Perreault says
July 1, 2023 at 2:35 pmCharles was one of our neighbors here in Hackettstown who we frequently bumped into while walking our dogs. Always quick with wit and a joke, it was a delight to get to know him as he restored his house that he took such pride in. Such a shame he only got to enjoy it for a short while. We were shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. His smile and jovial nature will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Ejvind Boccolini says
November 16, 2023 at 5:21 pmI am very sorry to hear about the passing of Charles Lee…I got to know Charles when I was writing for local newspapers and covering Mansfield Township committee meetings….He was an intelligent man and a great guy to speak with, and will be remembered for this and his many achievements….my sincerest condolences to his family …
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