Charles Needham,Jr.

Charles Needham, Jr., age 94, of Burlington Twp., NJ, former longtime resident of Mt. Laurel, NJ, passed peacefully on September 25, 2024.

Charlie was born on September 17, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Emily and Charles Needham, Sr. and was raised in Oaklyn, NJ. Following high school he proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1953 and was deployed overseas during the Korean War.

Upon his return from Korea, Charles began his career as a Boiler Operator for the Texaco Oil Refinery in Westville, NJ, where he would also serve as the Fire Chief for a number of years for the refinery until his retirement. Charlie was also a volunteer fireman, first serving the Oaklyn Fire Department, and then serving many years for the Masonville Fire Company in Mt. Laurel, NJ. During his fire service career, he spent many years training new volunteers and also served as a local Fire Inspector.

Charlie was a longtime active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Maple Shade, NJ where he served for over 20 years on the Altar Guild and handled maintenance for the church. Charlie and his wife, Mary, were excellent dancers and never missed an opportunity to “glide” across a dance floor. They also enjoyed travelling and had gone camping together in 28 States across the USA. Charlie was also active for many years with the Boy Scouts of America and was an avid bowler, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife, their family and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife of 35 years, Mary P. Needham (nee Guretse) in 2022. He is survived by his children, Thomas Needham (the late Barbara) and Sherry Rivis (William), and his stepchildren, Gary Zwick (Marcia), Steve Zwick (Madeline), Brian Zwick (Robin) and Paul Zwick. Also surviving are his 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Relative and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by his funeral service at 1:00 PM, all at the Mark C. Tilghman Funeral Home, 38 N. Forklanding Rd., Maple Shade, NJ 08052. Interment will be in Mount Laurel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Deborah Heart and Lung Center, 200 Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015 or www.demanddeborah.org Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.marktilghmanfuneralhome.com