Charles H. Lane

Charles H. Lane, 88, a lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Laurel Circle in Bridgewater.

Born to the late Harold C. and Helyn E. Lane, Charlie was a proud graduate of Somerville High School, Class of 1955. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961 later he continued his education at Trenton State College.

Charlie first learned his trade as an apprentice carpenter and house framer. He then started his own carpentry, painting, and remodeling business, which he ran for 10 years. Using his skills as a contractor, Charlie dedicated 23 years to shaping young minds as a carpentry shop teacher at Somerset County Vocational High School before retiring in 1997. In 1961, Charlie joined  the West End Hose Company as a volunteer firefighter and made history as the youngest fire chief in Somerville at that time. He proudly led the Somerville Fire Department as chief in 1973 and 1974.

Charlie, along with his loving wife Carol, filled their lives with many hobbies and passions. He loved his little house in the woods in Jim Thorpe, PA, where he square danced, enjoyed working in his workshop doing many projects including making cornhole boards for the grandchildren, and fixing almost anything. Together, Charlie and Carol traveled to Europe and throughout the United States. They took cruises to Alaska, to the Caribbean and  around the Islands of Hawaii. But hands down, he loved traveling with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to Disney World for over 45 years. Manasquan was his favorite place to spend his summers, from childhood years up to this past summer. Spending time with family, taking pictures of his grandkids, making nacho chip dip, and gathering at 5 o’clock for wine time were all activities that fill our hearts with love for this man.

Charlie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Carol Magie Lane; his children, John Lane (Michelle) of Neshanic Station, Beth Cassidy (Brian) of Somerville, and Amy Stires (Craig) of Martinsville; his cherished grandchildren, Rebecca Lied (Tyler), Nigel Lane (Ariana), Meghan Dugan (Jeff), Shannon Nicholls (Chad), Tara Rose Leonard (Josh), Don Stires (Alex), Alexandria Cytroen (Alex), and Heather Stires; as well as his great-grandchildren, Scarlet, Magnolia, Lennox, Lucille, Charles, Jackson, and Donald.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visiting hours from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. A funeral service will be held 10AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the United Reformed Church of Somerville, 100 W Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Adult Day Center of Somerset County in Bridgewater or United Reformed Church in Somerville honoring Charlie’s legacy of care and dedication to his family, church and community.

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