Charles D Van Liew Jr.

Charles Dudley Van Liew, Jr., affectionately called Pop, the oldest son of the late Theresa (Harvey) Van Liew and Charles Dudley Van Liew, Sr. was born on January 28, 1925, in Plainfield, NJ. He moved to New Brunswick, NJ at a young age and lived there most of his life. He was a resident of North Brunswick, NJ at the time of his passing.

Dudley answered the “Homegoing” call at 4:10 AM, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Saint Peter’s University Hospital to join his family in the home beyond the skies.

Dudley attended New Brunswick Public Schools; he eventually went on to serve in the United States Army Air Corps (now United States Air Force) from 1943 to 1946. He was a Private in the 1963RD Engineers Depot Company. He served in Los Angeles, Alaska and throughout Europe including Milan and Pisa, Italy. During his term, he was an Engineer Supply Tech, he also dismantled land minds and was a writer for the Stars & Stripes, the U.S. military’s news source. In Alaska he guarded Russian prisoners and was a one man patrol to keep watch from them invading. He received several medals including American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

In 1947, Dudley married the love of his life, Annie Elizabeth (Eato) Van Liew. They were united for 53 years. To this union were born 3 daughters and 2 sons.

Dudley was employed as Head Custodian at Roosevelt Public School in New Brunswick for 38 years before retiring. He rarely took a day off from work and for nearly every year he was recognized for having perfect work attendance. He did enjoy his vacation month in August where he traveled with his family throughout the United States. As a youth, he attended Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in New Brunswick.

Dudley was an avid deep-sea fisherman and reader; he was also a fan of multiple TV shows. As a historian, he watched Jeopardy every night and often answered most of the questions correctly. His other favorite shows were Wheel of Fortune and Judge Judy.

Dudley was a pillar and mentor in the New Brunswick community, often providing a safe haven for children and families in need. Whether it was feeding the hungry, tutoring students, protecting the vulnerable, he was always there. His house was always filled with children and adults who looked to him as a role model.

Dudley was predeceased by his wife Annie and two sons, Charles Henry and Thomas Dennis as well as one sister Maxine and three brothers Harvey, Fredrick and Russell. Surviving are his daughters Linda Agosto (Jose), Diana Lane (William), and Cathy Thompson (the late Rudolph); grandchildren: Kendall, Kevin, Dara, Kara, Anthony, Jared, DeLisa, Jose (“Junior”), and Nessie; and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Pop was the greatest example of a man anyone could know; we were blessed to have him in our lives. He will be sorely missed by all. “Oh boy.”