CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Charles M. “Charlie” Schutte

“Beware of overconcern for money, or position, or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are.” – Rudyard Kipling. Charlie was wealthy: his life’s worth measured by how many people he helped instead of the number of his possessions. If he had the means to help you he would; if he didn’t, he’d figure something out. His CB handle was Icebox; a salute to his years of service fixing appliances. A kindly older customer once dubbed him “Mr. Fixer Man.” When he had his own company, he called it “Fair Way” appliances. Always more than fair; he rebuilt appliances for his customers. Sometimes he got paid in cash; other times it was an IOU and the satisfaction of knowing that someone in a bad situation was better off. Of course, he found his real calling late in life as a grandfather. He never missed an event and took the grands out on their birthdays to eat and then off to Toys R Us where they could pick out any toy. His devotion to his family was second to none: present in mind, body and spirit. Often, they thought he was just listening to their problems when, in reality, he was formulating solutions. Sometimes it was showing up with a little extra money to get you through tough times. Other times backing the family car a couple of miles down Rt 130. No matter the distance between them or the severity of the issues, he left little doubt that he had their backs. He was also the dad who was cool enough to put a queen-sized mattress in his Snoopy Van for his kids to nap on for long trips back to Michigan while got every tractor trailer to give them an air horn salute. And, if there was a community need, he was there as well: baseball coach, police dispatcher and a volunteer firefighter in Westville. He was the son of a war hero; he’d follow in his steps and serve our nation in the army during Vietnam around the world. As a Staff Sergeant be stationed in Germany, Korea, Japan and Thailand. Charlie proudly wore his army hat every day of his life along with his trademark jeans, suspenders and flannel shirt. If you called him, you’d hear his familiar “Joe’s Bar and Grill” or a robust “Yello!!” Charlie listened to a little country music, cheered for the Phillies, Detroit Tigers and the Michigan Wolverines and was the biggest fan of Old Country Buffet.
He is survived by his twin daughters, Susanna Baus (Ron) and Suzette Justice (Bobby), and his son, Michael Schutte (Adrienne). His pride and joy were his seven grandchildren: Jade, Colin, Katrina, Kaysie, Shana, Gavin, and Nora. Charlie is also survived by his brother, Norman, and sister, Carolyn. While his brother, Terry, has passed away, their bond remains unbreakable in memory and spirit.
Come celebrate 79 great years (October 22, 1944 – April 17, 2024) Thursday April 25, 6-8 p.m. and Friday April 26, 10 to 11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Interment, Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. In lieu of flowers, please give generously to the Vineland Veterans Home (856-405-4213), thank a veteran, perform an act of kindness, or, preferably, all three.
“See ya later alligator. After while, crocodile, not too soon, you big baboon.”