Charles ( Charlie) Van Benschoten, 97, passed peacefully from our world on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at home surrounded by loved ones.
Charlie was born in Plainfield, N.J., on August 12, 1926, to parents Mabel and Charles Van Benschoten. He grew up in Roselle Park, N.J., with his parents and two younger siblings, Richard and Edna, and was a graduate of Roselle Park High School, where he played Varsity football. After graduation, Charlie attended Swarthmore College and The University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Crew team. He went on to Rutgers University, where he graduated with his Civil Engineering degree and subsequently served as an adjunct professor.
Charlie began his career at Standard Oil, and in a short time was on his way to serve as Municipal Engineer/ Director of Public Works for three New Jersey municipalities: Berkeley Heights, Westfield and Middletown. Charlie took one more step forward in his career when he accepted the role as Monmouth County Engineer. He remained in this role for 16 years up until his retirement.
Charlie lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives along the way. He enjoyed skiing, tennis, woodworking and world travel. He loved golf, a sport he played from his early teens to just a few years ago. He provided the engineering design and was part of the founding ownership group of Warrenbrook Country Club in Warren, N.J. Together with his brother,
Charles B. Van Benschoten, 97, Civil Engineer
he built the family’s home in Mountainside, where his five children spent their childhood. Charlie was a member of Kappa Sigma, Tau Beta Pi National Honorary Engineering Society and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He was a past president of the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers, the New Jersey Metropolitan Chapter of APWA and the New Jersey State Association of County Engineers. He was also on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Alliance for Action. Charlie received his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in June of 1946.
Beloved Charlie, predeceased by his wife, Judy, leaves behind his five children and their spouses: Susan Groff and husband Fran of Brielle, Barbara Holly and husband Brian of Manasquan, Catherine Pringle and husband Steven of Sea Girt, Charles Van Benschoten III and wife Sandy of Sea Girt and Nancy Melfi and her husband Joe of Manasquan; also 14 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation today, Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, N.J. 08736. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 24, at 11 a.m., at St. Catharine Cemetery in Sea Girt, N.J. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make donations to charities or organizations of their choice.
May 23, 2024
