CHARLES WETLI Obituary

WETLI--Charles Victor. Dr. Charles Victor Wetli, age 76, of Alpine, NJ, passed away on July 28, 2020 after a short but valiant struggle with lung cancer. A brilliant forensic pathologist, he served as the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for Dade County, FL and later, the Chief Medical Examiner for Suffolk County, NY. As a pioneer in the field of forensic pathology, he authored numerous articles in medical journals, as well as several books. During his storied career, he handled many high profile cases, including the masterful identification of all 230 individuals aboard the ill-fated TWA Flight 800 in 1996. The trajectory of his career in forensic medicine coincided with the dawn of the era of the use of scientific evidence to solve complex crimes and unexplained deaths. As a result of his training, vast experience, and ability to articulate his findings, he was able to aid many law enforcement agencies and attorneys throughout the nation. Always valuing education, he taught at the University of Miami School of Medicine and then at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has left a lasting impact as a mentor to hundreds of young pathologists throughout the country. A voracious reader, he was rarely found without a book in hand. Together with his wife, Geetha, they were able to travel the world to unique and exotic destinations. He treasured spending time with his seven grandchildren and was the most involved grandfather one can imagine. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Mary (nee Carriveau) and Cletus Wetli. He is survived by his beloved wife, Geetha; his children, Cletus, Carla (Philip), Kavita (Sean), and Vikram (Danielle); and his grandchildren, Luke, James, Nathan, Elizabeth, William, Julia and Caroline. Due to the restrictions placed on public gatherings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a private funeral will be held.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES WETLI

8 Entries

Ms. Campbell

July 27, 2025

May his soul rest in peace. He was a down to earth, approachable man.

Loretta Campbell

December 27, 2021

I want to offer my belated condolences and respect for Dr . Wetli. He was truly a down to earth and accessible Doctor. When my husband pasted in 1982, I call the office in Miami Dade county to get some answers, he came to the phone and spoke to me as if I was a friend. May his soul rest in peace.

Ellie Caldwell

February 12, 2021

When I was told the man I looked up too, the man who helped so many family's in need, the man who would tell me too much about the human body and his surgeries :) he died. My heart aced in sadness. I was in so much shock. I realized that I could not brake a world record for talking on the phone with him for an hour (he did talk a lot on the phone), I could not play pool with him, no more science experiments or find snake skin and looking at that under the microscope. I was crushed. Over this up coming week I am making a iMovie about him. He has made an ever lasting impact on my life. Please pray for our family as we recover from a sad death. Me and my family truly thanks for all the sympathy, gifts and prayers you all have been giving us. When I think of my grandad I think of him as a kind, reader, unique, smart man and I hope you think that to. So today please comment about the impact he made or even kind words because we are truly heartbroken over this death.

Nathan Caldwell

November 24, 2020

When we would play pool at his pool table in Alpine, NJ, he would lose to me once in a blue moon. He would challenge me to read books that I didn't want to read. He wanted me to keep on learning and help other people. It is still hard for me and my family to get over his passing. He left a big impact on me, my family, his friends and many others. He was a good grandfather to me. I may not have seen him as long or as often as I wanted, I had a wonderful time with him while he was alive. He was one of the most impactful people I have ever known in my entire lifetime.

Ray Curnan

August 23, 2020

I was fortunate enough to spend some limited time with Dr. Wetli on both professional and social levels through working for his devoted wife, "Dr. Nat" in Middlesex County. He was always a very kind man and you knew he was always willing to help if you had a question by saying "just give me a call, anytime". I do have to say when I saw he and Geetha (Dr. Nat) together, they were like to two high school kids madly in love. They are both well respected in their professions, but were also admired for the wonderful family that they bonded together. I have not seen either for several years, which I now regret. My condolences to Dr. Natarajan, their children, grandchildren, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed and the world of Forensic Pathology has lost an icon. Rest In Peace Chuck!

Jon Neel ((Heather Dolan’s father)

August 9, 2020

Kavita, Sean and family - My family and I are very sorry for your loss. I understand that Charles was an amazing man and will be missed.

Simone Taylor

August 7, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving.

Barbara Davis

August 2, 2020

On Behalf of the family of Dr Joe Davis, Chuck's friend and mentor for many years, I would like to offer condolences to Geetha, Chuck's children and grandchildren. Chuck was a smart forensic pathologist with a great sense of humor. He served the citizens of Dade County during the busiest and most interesting times in Miami.

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