Charles J. Diou

2016 - 2016

Charles J. Diou

AGE: 67 • Brick

Charles J. Diou (Chuck), age 67, of Brick, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 5, 2016 at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, the love of his life, Bette (Frank) Diou, their four children, Lynne Merklin and her husband John, Charles R. Diou, Colleen Scisco and her husband Adam, and Casey Tortorici and her husband Rob. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: his "best friends" Ricky Norman and Michaella Merklin; his "wingman" Johnny Merklin; and his "favorite pals" Kaitlyn Diou, Charlize Diou, Owen Scisco, Nathan Scisco, Dante Simonovich, Anthony Tortorici and Saoirse Tortorici.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 348. Chuck was a resident of Brick for 41 years and could often be found sitting on his porch drinking a cold Beach Haus beer spending time with his good friends. An avid boater, Chuck fished the waters of Ocean County every chance he got. He cherished his wife Bette and lived for his children and grandchildren. He was a one of a kind, a good old boy, a true American. He will be deeply missed and celebrated in the hearts and memories of his family and friends always. "For I was, am and shall forever be, a United States Marine." Semper Fidelis.

Visiting hours are Monday, May 9, 2016, from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88, Brick. A funeral mass will be offered on Tuesday, 10 am at Epiphany Church, Brick, followed by interment at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood. Donations in Chuck's name can be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Drive, Suite 104, Dumfries, VA 22025. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.colonialfuneralgroup.com