Charles is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Jane Spies of Bath, Maine. Along with his five children, Carolyn E. Spies, Charles J. Spies III, his wife Bonnie, Susan M. Connolly, her husband Donald, Gail C. Strehan, her husband, Christopher and Richard E. Spies and wife Allison, seven grandchildren, Thomas, Zachary, Kevin, Alex, Kate, Emma and Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews, all beloved.
Charles was born in Morristown, New Jersey, to Charles and Marie Spies on May 25, 1931. He attended Mountain Lakes High School, named All-State Football, co-captain, 1949. He went on to earn a degree in economics from Lafayette College, 1953, where he also played football and captained the team.
Additionally, Charlie was honored to be invited to and completed the Harvard Business School, PMD program, 1970. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, USNR-S2, 1957, and enjoyed a successful career in banking spanning more than three decades, retiring as executive vice president for Citibank in 1992.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Charles served on town governance committees from 1969 through 1972, holding the office of mayor of Boonton Township in 1972, and proudly served with his fellow volunteer firemen for the township for seven years.
Charles was a true outdoorsman, in addition to spending a lot of quality time with friends and family he was an avid fisherman and hunter. A love of outdoors he passed on to all of his kids. Each fall you could count on finding “Charlie” cheering on his favorite NFL football teams when not spending time in the field chasing game.
The family will hold a private ceremony and Mass followed by a celebration of life gathering with friends and family this coming summer.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hill House of Bath and CHANS Home Healthcare, for continual gracious care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chan’s Home Healthcare, (https://www.chanshomehealthcare.com/donate-to-chans.aspx).
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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