A funeral mass was celebrated June 29 at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Jersey City, for Charles E. Trefurt, Jr. He passed away June 24. Charlie was a lifelong resident of Jersey City. He enjoyed 48 years of marriage with Angelina (nee Petroccia.) He was the father of his two sons Joseph and Charles E. Trefurt, III. Charlie was a graduate of Snyder High School, Jersey City State College and Seton Hall University’s masters program. Charlie rose through the ranks of the Jersey City Board of Education during his 40 years of service to the school system. Charlie reached the position of associate superintendent of schools shortly before retirement in 2006. He was also an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University.
While most of his peers spent their spare time pursuing personal hobbies and recreational activities, Charlie dedicated his free time to various charitable and civic activities for the benefit of Jersey City. He served as a Jersey City ABC Commissioner, Housing Commissioner and chairperson for the Greenville Hospital Board of Trustees.
Charlie received many awards during his life. However, he was most proud of the fact that P.S. Number 8 was renamed the “Charles E. Trefurt School” in October 2009. Charlie was comforted by the image of thousands of children who would pass through the portals of the Charles E. Trefurt School into bright futures as productive members of the community. The American flag flew at half staff in front of the school last week to commemorate his passing.
Although Charlie’s passing has cast a shadow across the hearts of everyone, his life-long compassion, generosity and dedication to those in need will always be remembered.
Charlie is survived by his wife Angelina, sons Joseph and Charles, his brother James, his sister-in-law Carol, his brother-in-law Theodore and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services arranged by the Greenville Memorial Home, Jersey City.