Charles S. Aquino, Jr. of Paterson, born September 19, 1942, residing in North Haledon, N.J., a dedicated funeral director entered into eternal life on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Born and raised in Paterson, N.J. to the late Charles and Inez (nee DiCrisofaro) Aquino, he was a longtime Paterson resident before settling in North Haledon, N.J. Upon graduating from Central High School in Paterson, he honorably served our country in the U.S. Army while stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he attended American Academy of Embalming and Mortuary Research where he received a degree in Mortuary Science. He was the proud co-owner of Aquino Colonial Funeral Home in Paterson. Through his career, he served his community with compassion and dignity, guiding families through the difficult process of saying farewell to their loved ones. He then worked at New Jersey Casket Company in Secaucus for many years till present time. Charles was a former president of the Passaic County Funeral Director’s Association. He was also a member, past president and former treasurer of the Fidelian’s of America in North Haledon, N.J. where he also was the recipient of the Man of the Year award.

Outside of his work, Charles cherished spending time with his family, and dinners with his cousins. He loved to travel, especially to Italy to visit his relatives in Avelino. In his free time, he enjoyed going to the casino, reading, walks on the boardwalk and sitting on the beach. A sports enthusiast, he was a big fan of the N.Y. Yankees, N.Y. Giants and N.Y. Rangers.

Predeceased by his parents and step-daughter Pam Knoble, Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Gina (nee Giovatto) Aquino; step-grandson, Stephen Ruiz and his wife, Melissa; and great-grandchildren, Kai and Julian of Massachusetts. He is also survived by a host of members in his family and the Giovatto family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is remembered by all who were blessed to know him as a man whose character

was larger than life and who made a lasting impact on so many lives. Charles was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be at Vander Plaat Vermeulen Memorial Home 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes, N.J. on Monday March 11, 2024, 4pm to 7pm. Family and friends will meet at St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson N.J. on Tuesday March 12, 2024, for a 10am Mass. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Charles may be made to St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church, 501 W. Broadway, Paterson, N.J. 07522.