Charles Edward "Chuck" Runquist, 78, passed away on September 21, 2025, in Lyons, New Jersey. Born on July 11, 1947, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Chuck lived a life marked by service, intellect, and compassion.
Chuck grew up in Bucks County Pennsylvania and graduated from Pennsbury High School in Yardley in 1965. A gifted athlete, he was a competitive swimmer and diver during his high school years and part of a champion relay team that held a Pennsylvania state record for many years. His academic journey continued at Bucks County Community College, where he earned an associate degree in 1971. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1973 and later completed a Master's Degree in Education from Trenton State College in 1978.
In 1966, Chuck joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and saw combat during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Cook. Following his combat service, he became an instructor at the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center in New Jersey before being honorably discharged in 1970. His military service reflected his deep sense of duty and commitment to others.
Chuck began his professional career working in higher education as Director of Residential Life at Monmouth State College in Monmouth, NJ from 1974 to 1976, then became a Residence Hall Manager at Trenton State College from 1976 to 1978. Following that he served as Residence Hall Director at West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery from 1978 to 1981. In the early 1980s, Chuck transitioned into the emerging field of computer and software development—a move that would define much of his later career.
He played a role in the development and demonstration of Dragon voice recognition systems and contributed his talents to several pioneering companies including Nuance Communications, Vertisoft, and Lernout & Hauspie. His work helped shape technologies that would become integral to modern computing. Chuck retired in 2008 amid the global financial crisis that significantly impacted the tech industry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was known for his warmth and empathy. He had an innate ability to connect with people—especially those who were struggling—and was always quick to offer support or share a laugh. A Yankees fan since elementary school, Chuck found joy in watching games and attending them whenever possible.
During the final three years of his life Chuck lived in a residential program for disabled veterans, receiving compassionate attention and care from Marie Wilson and Richard Selecky. Their dedication provided him with comfort and dignity during this time, a kindness for which his family is deeply grateful.
Chuck is survived by his brother Eric "Rick" Runquist; his sister Elizabeth Lee "Tootie" Guerin; three nephews: Joshua Guerin, Steven Guerin, and Ian Runquist; two nieces; Pamela and Caroline Watson, and a new grand niece, Sofia Guerin.
He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth C. Runquist; mother Marjorie H. Runquist (née Busness); and sister Barbara Ann Watson.
We loved Chuck and we will miss him. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness in others. A Funeral Service will be held on November 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Brigadier General Wm C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery 350 Province Line Rd Wrightstown, NJ 08562 and Chuck's ashes will be interred on the grounds there.
Chuck grew up in Bucks County Pennsylvania and graduated from Pennsbury High School in Yardley in 1965. A gifted athlete, he was a competitive swimmer and diver during his high school years and part of a champion relay team that held a Pennsylvania state record for many years. His academic journey continued at Bucks County Community College, where he earned an associate degree in 1971. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1973 and later completed a Master's Degree in Education from Trenton State College in 1978.
In 1966, Chuck joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and saw combat during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Cook. Following his combat service, he became an instructor at the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center in New Jersey before being honorably discharged in 1970. His military service reflected his deep sense of duty and commitment to others.
Chuck began his professional career working in higher education as Director of Residential Life at Monmouth State College in Monmouth, NJ from 1974 to 1976, then became a Residence Hall Manager at Trenton State College from 1976 to 1978. Following that he served as Residence Hall Director at West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery from 1978 to 1981. In the early 1980s, Chuck transitioned into the emerging field of computer and software development—a move that would define much of his later career.
He played a role in the development and demonstration of Dragon voice recognition systems and contributed his talents to several pioneering companies including Nuance Communications, Vertisoft, and Lernout & Hauspie. His work helped shape technologies that would become integral to modern computing. Chuck retired in 2008 amid the global financial crisis that significantly impacted the tech industry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was known for his warmth and empathy. He had an innate ability to connect with people—especially those who were struggling—and was always quick to offer support or share a laugh. A Yankees fan since elementary school, Chuck found joy in watching games and attending them whenever possible.
During the final three years of his life Chuck lived in a residential program for disabled veterans, receiving compassionate attention and care from Marie Wilson and Richard Selecky. Their dedication provided him with comfort and dignity during this time, a kindness for which his family is deeply grateful.
Chuck is survived by his brother Eric "Rick" Runquist; his sister Elizabeth Lee "Tootie" Guerin; three nephews: Joshua Guerin, Steven Guerin, and Ian Runquist; two nieces; Pamela and Caroline Watson, and a new grand niece, Sofia Guerin.
He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth C. Runquist; mother Marjorie H. Runquist (née Busness); and sister Barbara Ann Watson.
We loved Chuck and we will miss him. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness in others. A Funeral Service will be held on November 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Brigadier General Wm C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery 350 Province Line Rd Wrightstown, NJ 08562 and Chuck's ashes will be interred on the grounds there.
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