Charles Joseph Laveratt III, 61, of West Long Branch, passed away May 11, 2024. C.J. was a beloved father, boyfriend, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
C.J. was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Robert E. Laveratt, and his brother, Robert H. Laveratt. Surviving are his children, Robert P. Laveratt III and Sarah Laveratt and her fiancé Ricardo Santos; his loving girlfriend Tricia Russo; his sisters, Nancie Laveratt Byrnes and Sharon Laveratt; and his nephews, Grant Williams and Patrick Byrnes. C.J. is also survived by a plethora of cousins from the Murphy, Marks, Kirk and Cooney families.
C.J. was born Feb. 6, 1963, in Red Bank. He attended St. James Grammar School and was a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School. C.J. attended SUNY Fredonia in New York.
On May 20, 1985, C.J. joined the International Union of Elevator Constructors. During his time with the union, he worked with a variety of elevator construction companies in New Jersey and Philadelphia. He made many lifelong friends and dedicated acts of service to the Lift For A Vet Foundation. Through the Lift For A Vet Foundation, C.J. helped with the fundraising and installation of elevators, home lifts, stair lifts or wheelchair lifts in the residences of disabled U.S. military service veterans. C.J. retired from the International Union of Elevator Constructors May 31, 2018.
On June 26, 1985, C.J. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a member of the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department. He was the current first lieutenant of Westside Hose Company. He was also a former captain of the Red Bank Fire Department and a former member of the Red Bank Fire Department Scuba Team. C.J. was also recognized by The 200 Club of Monmouth County for his heroic act of discovering and saving an 84-year-old woman from her 10th-floor apartment during an active fire in October 1988.
In addition, C.J. was also part of the Tinton Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He was the former president of Northside Engine Company #4, as well as commissioner of Tinton Falls Fire District #2.
Besides his love for family, friends and Bruce Springsteen, one of C.J.’s true passions was spending time on the beach at Asbury Park Beach. He had many wonderful qualities but it was his quick wit, good humor and contagious smile he will always be remembered for.
Visitation was held May 16 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 17 at St. James Church, Red Bank. After the Mass, there was a procession drive past the Red Bank Fire House on Leighton Avenue. Burial was private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Lift For A Vet, 12273 Townsend Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 or iuec5.org/lift_for_a_vet.
The article originally appeared in the May 23 – 29, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
