Charles P. Sciara

Charles "Charlie" P. Sciara, age 92, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Charlie resided in New Jersey with his wife, Judith Sciara for more than 50 years. Charlie was the patriarch of his family. He took great pride in the success of his children and grandchildren and in his career as a pharmaceutical salesman. He was a very social and outgoing person, known for calling all of his relatives and friends for the important moments and holidays in their lives. He loved coffee, Merlot, golf, Frank Sinatra, and warm weather in Florida. He could often be found watching the Mets or Fox News. He loved fusilli pasta and desserts of all kinds, especially anisette cookies, root beer floats and carrot cake. He loved to travel, particularly to Italy, and loved traveling even more with close friends and family. He was very supportive of his grandchildren and could often be found sitting on the sidelines at a soccer game, dance recital, choir concert, band event, or musical. In addition, he loved to slip them a crisp 50 or spoil them with Dunkin Donuts or Cinna-minis.
Born on June 1, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, Charles P. Sciara was the oldest of three children. He attended Saint Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic School in Queens, NY for 8 years. He then went on to John Adams High School in Ozone Park. He ran track and his favorite subject in school was science.
On July 27, 1957, he married Judith Ollenschleger in Belleville, NJ, who he met at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV where he was a pre-medical major. He went on to get his masters in microbiology from the University of Miami in Florida. He had a successful career working his way up to be Vice President of Sales at Pharmacia, a pharmaceutical company acquired by Pfizer. However, when asked what his favorite job was, he said "retirement". Charlie and Judy were snowbirds during retirement and lived half the year in Kissimmee, FL in a retirement community called Solavita. He said having his second home in Florida was a dream coming true.
He is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Mildred Sciara as well as his granddaughter Madison. He is survived by his wife Judith of almost 68 years, one sister, Lillian DeRosa (Vincent) and one brother, Andrew Sciara (Kathy). He is also survived by three children: Nicholas Sciara (Janine) of North Salem, NY, Maria Patullo (Tom) of Bridgewater, and Michael Sciara (Sharon) of Bound Brook; his daughter in law Wendy of Belmar; nine grandchildren: Morgan (Stephen), C.J. (Caitlin), Jessica (Ian), Hailee (Cole), Taylor (Travis), Tori (James), Eric (Kayla), Sofia (Ryan), Jaxs; and one great-granddaughter: Charlie (named after her great-grandfather). Being a great-grandfather brought him immense joy at the end of his life and he was excited to welcome more great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 4 to 8 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, July 11 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105).