Charles Edward Johnson III, 82, of Holmdel, passed away July 31, 2025, at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel.
Charles was born Sept. 27, 1942, on Staten Island, where he was raised by his parents, Charles Edward Jr. and Catherine Johnson. While a native New Yorker, he raised his family primarily in New Jersey, starting in Brick but soon moving to High Bridge before settling in Holmdel in 1980. The family also spent a year in Tokyo, Japan.
After completing high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his service concluded with an honorable discharge, he used his knowledge of electrical systems acquired in the Air Force to begin a career as an HVAC technician in New York City. While working full-time at this labor-intensive job, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the City University of New York and a master’s in business administration from Wagner College. After completing his education, he became a software engineer with AT&T and returned to the military as a United States Naval Intelligence Officer.
A kind and generous man, Charles was very much a “people person” and was proud of his Catholic faith. He loved his dogs dearly and had an extensive collection of Lionel trains. Around the house, he was extremely handy and was always working on home improvement projects. He was also fond of traveling, even on work trips, and attending historical lectures.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Catherine Johnson; his sister, Elizabeth; and his beloved dogs, Mocha and Drake. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his sons, Charles Johnson IV and his wife Katherine and Daniel Johnson and his wife Paulina; and his grandchildren, Ayla, Brigid, Penelope and Reilly Jett.
Family and friends visited Aug. 6 at the Holmdel Funeral Home, Holmdel. A Mass was celebrated Aug. 7 at the Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel. Entombment followed at the Holmdel Mausoleum, Holmdel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.
The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
