Charles W. Yatzus, of West Deptford, NJ, passed away August 6th, 2024, holding the hand of his beloved wife and surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 86.

Born to the late B. Charles and Louise (nee Hansen) on October 21st, 1937. Charles was the beloved brother of Claire (John) Westphal. Growing up, Charlie lived in Runnemede with his family, as well as his grandmother who all the family affectionately called “Meemom”. Meemom was from Hungary and was the cook of the house as both Charlie’s parents worked. Charlie and Meemom spent a lot of time together and a few of his favorite meals were her pierogies and stuffed cabbage. The two even started gardening together to grow their own produce. Charlie attended Audubon High School as the graduating class of 1953. After high school, Charlie started attending local dances where he loved to Jitterbug. While attending a dance at Dancette in Oaklyn, NJ, he asked the beautiful Rosalia (nee LiVecchi) to dance with him. Charlie become enthralled with Rosalia from that first dance and waited to see her every week in hopes that he could ask to drive her home, which she said yes to. Charlie showed his true kind personality and also drove Rosalia’s girlfriend home that night too. This first interaction gave Rosalia the comfort and reassurance that she needed to know that he was the one. The pair married on November 7, 1959, spending shy of 65 years together.

Charlie and Rosalia who he affectingly called “Rosie” shared a beautiful marriage that was deeply rooted in love and friendship. Together, they shared the same values of family, faith, and devotion to one another. Charlie and Rosalia welcomed four loving children into their lives, Michael (MaryEllen) Yatzus, Theresa (Robert) Holmes, Denise (Jeffrey) Nickel, and Stephen (Gina) Yatzus. As a family they often spent summer vacations in the family wood-paneled Station Wagon and camper with multiple road trips to Disney and Virginia. Charlie’s favorite family vacation was spending their annual one week in Wildwood, NJ. Charlie loved the warmth of the sun on his face and the sand under his feet while all his children played in the waves. Spending time with each other as a family meant the world to Charlie. He was his children’s biggest supporter, attending their sporting events and activities as much as possible; sometimes having to switch with Rosalia so each child knew at least one parent was there to cheer them on.

Charlie then became a beloved grandfather (pop) of 10 loving grandchildren. He loved playing with the little ones. As they became older, Charlie one again carried on the tradition of attending as many sporting events and activities as possible. When he was no longer able to make it to the fields or events anymore, Charlie would often be found watching his favorite Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles with his grandchildren.

Charlie had a love of cars and motorcycles, love for his country, and above all, love of God. Charlie was a parishioner of Holy Angels Parish-St. Patrick’s RC Church for nearly 36 years and is a proud veteran of The US Naval Forces. His hobbies included fishing in local lakes, tinkering, and working on the family cars. Charlie was an exceptional handyman; he taught himself everything that he knows from home repairs to working on electronics. If something was broken, Charlie could fix it. He loved to spend time outside working on his cars, and when his children became older, he began working on their cars. His kindness was unwavering and he would extend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Charlie worked for the Philadelphia Navy Yard for his entire career along with many other part-time jobs. Even after retiring, he continued to work hard with a position working for the Haddonfield School District driving the Activities bus for 16 years as “Chuck the Bus Driver”. Charlie loved this retirement job spending time with the kids and coaches, and they loved spending time with him.

Charles will be fondly remembered by those who love him for his sharp mind, charming personality, and kind, genuine heart.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Charlie's name to Compassus Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Charlie's visitation on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 from 9am - 11am, followed by an 11am funeral ceremony at McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ. Charlie will be laid to rest at New St. Mary's Cemetery & Mausoleum, located at 515 W. Browning Rd, Bellmawr NJ, 08031.