Charles Smutnik Obituary
Born on April 23, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Charles was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for hands-on craftsmanship. He graduated from Lower Cape May Regional High School and went on to attend Cape May Tech, where he earned his certification as a Licensed Master Plumber. His dedication to his trade led him to become a Licensed General Contractor as well. Over the years, Charles owned and operated businesses in both New Jersey and Tennessee and spent many years working alongside family in his father-in-law's plumbing business.
Charles was known for his mechanical aptitude and relentless determination to fix or build anything he set his mind to. From an early age, he could be found in the garage with his father, learning the intricacies of motors and machinery. That passion stayed with him throughout his life. In adulthood, he passed down that knowledge to his son Charlie, his brothers, nephewS, Friends and oldest grandson CJ. Whether it was cars, motorcycles, or any mechanical project they could get their hands on, Charles relished every opportunity to teach and tinker.
Cooking was another of Charles's great joys. He had a gift for creating extravagant feasts that brought people together. For him, family included anyone who happened to be in the house when he was cooking-if you were there, you were part of it. He would put you to work and then feed you like royalty. His meals graced countless family gatherings, parties, and even wedding receptions.
One of Charles's most cherished traditions was baking with his daughter Ashley. Before every holiday, the two could be found side by side in the kitchen rolling out dozens of cookies, cakes, and breads-a treasured ritual that created lasting memories for them both.
Though not religious in a traditional sense, Charles valued community and spiritual connection deeply. He often said that his relationship with God was between them alone. He enjoyed being involved in church and community activities throughout his life.
Charles is survived by his devoted son Charlie his wife Gina (Zervas) Smutnik; their sons CJ and Jack; his daughter Ashley (Smutnik) Taylor and her husband David Taylor; his beloved mother Judith (Seitter) Zimmerman and stepfather David; brothers Thomas (Jessica) Smutnik, Joseph (Kelly) Smutnik, and Rocco Doto; sisters Kelly (Les) Craft and Donna (Smutnik) Brooks; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and an extended family who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Joseph Smutnik Jr., whose influence helped shape Charles's lifelong love for motorsports and mechanics.
Charles's children and grandchildren were the center of his world. His first-born grandson CJ held a particularly special place in his heart-their bond was unmistakable. One of Charles's greatest joys was hearing CJ call out "Poppa" during school pickups. As illness limited his ability to engage with them as fully as he wished in later days, it saddened him deeply-but the love never wavered.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Charles sister Kelly for her extraordinary care coordination during his illness. Her dedication ensured he remained comfortable and surrounded by love through every stage of his journey.
In true Chalie fashion-always ready with humor-he would be disappointed to know that at the end of it all... we forgot the olive tray.
Charles Joseph "Chalie" Smutnik III leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, laughter, and love-a man who taught with grease-stained hands in the garage and nourished souls from the heart of the kitchen. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
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Krista Breuss
July 10, 2025
36 years ago I married a boy. He stole my heart and drove me crazy at the same time. We went on to have amazing kids and a lifetime of memories with our huge family. Chalie could always be counted on to make every birthday and holiday spectacular. The food, the presents and the preplanned thoughtfulness were second to none.
He was with me when both of our children were born. He loved our children fiercely and always called them by the nicknames he made up. Our daughter had a nursery rhyme she loved and her name became puddle duck. Then she loved hats so she became Minnie Pearl, then eventually pearly squirrel. Innher adult life her dad still referred to her as squirrel. Our son was Chase, his sister would steal his favorite stuffed animal, a dinosaur he called boy, after he went to sleep. Eventually, Chase´s boy became Chaseboy. Ashley and I still refer to him as that today. I´ve always said, during his time at home, he was a better stay at home Mom than I ever was. He was always prepared and dinner never came from a box. Baking was his specialty. I often think of all the things he did to make them feel loved and special. He made them swings that hung from the willow tree in our yard. He built them a play house like no other. Chase would often drive his Tonka Trucks through the gravel scooping and dumping just like his Dad. Ashlynne´s DD was the only one who could brush her long curly hair.
I think the hardest part of loosing Chalie was that he is the only person who shares the memories I covet from when our children were very young. I will always treasure sharing that part of our life together.
He was not perfect. He was flawed like the rest of us. But he tried and he loved and he showed up even if he fell short. He enjoyed helping people. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and he was happiest when he found himself being useful, family or stranger, he always felt his best when he was helping another.
I love you Chal, I will miss you. You are the only other person who ever knew the significance of finding a Mickey Botsy in an old Mustang. Flying the yellow bird. The difference between a Bugga and a Bumbaloo. Most of all why every Christmas Eve had to be at our house and what our traditions were. Thank you for sharing that part of life with me.
Rest Well. We will all be OK until we see you again.
Kelly
July 9, 2025
Kelly
July 6, 2025
Chalie will always be missed !!! We did not see him as much as we liked but when we did he was always loving to my kids! My boys loved uncle Chalie! I asked Joey what his memory was of uncle Chalie and he said one was him giving him work to do . Which was kinda funny because Chalie was always working hard on something . He would do anything for anyone! Going on vacation to wildwood meant seeing aunt Krista and uncle Chalie when we could! We will definitely miss him always! Best brother in law and brother to Joe!! Joe always looked up to Chalie and has so many memories !!
Michael Siderio
July 6, 2025
I could probably write a book here. I met Charlie when he was 16, I gave him his first tattoo with his mother´s permission. Pretty much all the tattoos since. So if you count those hours alone I spent a lot of time with Charlie. But he was like a brother and we spent much more time together than just tattoo time. He helped me do several remodels. His vision was like no other. I would want something basic and he would tell me the possibilities, now with a picture in my head I had to have his idea. He spent my money well. If I was struggling with a certain construction issue he would drop everything and run to my aid. If for some reason he couldn´t come himself, he would send someone he trusted.
My family and I visited Charlie and his family in their Tennessee home. Charlie would cook and prepare meals with a passion. That was the year Dale Earnhardt was killed in the crash. I know this because I was with Charlie when we heard the news.
About 15 years ago I struggled with empty nest life issues. My youngest son joined the Military. The only one of my sons to join the military. I became recluse as I would not see my son for who knows how long, not knowing what the military would do to him, or where they would send him. Charlie would grab me every morning, make me go the gym with him even paid for my membership. He helped me be me again. Without his brotherly love and encouragement, that would have been a much darker time for me.
Our families would get together occasionally for dinner.
Some of Charlie´s sayings have stuck with me. I even made them mine. Like "Pork chop in a bottle" for a beer. I can still hear him laughing. He will be missed immensely. Always in my heart Charlie. Until we meet again. We had some deep talks about Faith and JESUS
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Jane
July 5, 2025
Loved that he always had a flower arrangement in the table, Christmas Eve memories and meal shared. And I remember you guys always prayed together in the morning
Kyle
July 5, 2025
Charlie. You were one of a kind. I appreciate everything you taught me about life. The dos, the don´ts. How to navigate through that crappy shore town. In the little time you knew me you instantly gave me a shot. From a great mechanic to a very skilled tradesmen´s you were really one of a kind. I was truly blessed to have met you. Ps. I still have that red Honda dirt bike. I will never get rid of it! See you later pal
Lee Fox
July 5, 2025
Krista, my prayers are for you and your family during this time. Robin and I loved Charlie. I´ll never forget the first time you and Charlie walked into Pigeon Forge Community Church and I thought who is this guy, wearing all black and sunglasses, in church Little did I know what a good dude he was behind those shades. And then, when Robin and I came home from being away for several years and I began as pastor of Ball Camp Baptist Church in Knoxville, who do I see come strolling in one Sunday morning out of the blue? You and Charlie. And for several years you drove from Wears Valley to church every Sunday. Amazing. When we decided to renovate a cabin in Pigeon Forge, it was Charlie who pushed me to do it. And he and I worked months getting it ready. Charlie taught me how to face my fear of crawling under a house in the middle of the summer with only inches between us and the floor joists. Those were good days and I gave Charlie plenty of things to laugh about I´m sure. We worked together to rebuild homes in Gatlinburg after the devastating wildfires. I was proud of him for staying on with Appalachian Service Project afterwards to complete more homes. Charlie was a good dude and I will greatly miss him. RIP, my brother.
Kelly Craft
July 5, 2025
My big bro was the absolute kindest soul you could ever meet. He loved deeply and was the hardest working man you would ever meet. He was taken too soon but always kept a smile on his face, was positive and full of life. I will miss him and love him always! Fly high brother
K B
July 5, 2025
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