Charles "Charlie" Mongelli

Charles "Charlie" Mongelli

South River - Charles "Charlie" Mongelli passed away peacefully on Friday, March 26, 2021, at St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, with his family by his side. He was 66.

Born and raised by his parents, Frank and Frances in Brooklyn, New York, Charlie and his wife, Janet, moved to South River, New Jersey in 1986 to start their family. He was a hard worker who settled into a career as a bus driver for the Metro Transit Authority, behind the wheel of a commuter bus between Staten Island and Manhattan. He was a deeply devoted family man, opting for an unenviable, crack-of-dawn driving shift, which allowed him to be present to help raise and champion his three children, whom he treasured. He retired from the MTA after nearly 30 years, before taking the wheel for the South River Office on Aging, serving the senior citizen community until his official retirement in 2020.

Charlie was honest, dedicated and dependable. A "jack of all trades" that could build, fix and install anything, he took pride in everything he did, and never gave less than his very best. He enjoyed the simple things in life — tinkering around the house, going out to dinner with friends, and spending time with his family in the oasis he created in his own backyard. He was easy-going, friendly, and generous, willing to go to the ends of the earth to help those he cared for, and never hesitating to drop everything to come to the rescue of a friend in need. His untimely passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of those whose lives he touched, with the most genuine kindness there is.

He was predeceased by his youngest son, Adam Charles; his mother, Frances; his older brother, Michael; his nephew Michael, Jr.; and his dachshund, Pickles.

He is survived by his wife of 43 1/2 years, Janet; his father, Frank; his daughter, Christine Kilduff and her husband, Robert; his son, Gregory and his wife, Sarah; and his grandson, Frankie Adam, all of whom he was fiercely protective, and loved with every ounce of his soul.

Friends and relatives may pay their respects on Monday, March 29th, from 4pm to 8pm, at M.A. Maliszewski Funeral Home, 218 Whitehead Ave, South River, with a prayer service scheduled at 7pm.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, please note that a maximum of 50 visitors will be permitted in the funeral home at one time, and masks must be worn at all times. Completed funeral arrangements, letters of condolence to the family, and directions may be found by visiting www.maliszewskifuneralhome.com.