Charles A Hennessy

Charles Arthur Hennessy (Buddy), age 94 years, of Piscataway, NJ, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on October 25, 1927, the son of Edward and Ruth Hennessy. 

He loved his country and enlisted in the Merchant Marines at the age of 15 and four years later into the United States Navy.  A decorated combat veteran he served in both WWII and the Korean War.  He received numerous medals and commendations which included the Congressional Gold Medal.  During the Korean War he was stationed on the USS Leyte CV-32 and fought at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He will be remembered as one of the “Choisin Few.”  He was proud to have served and always wore his Navy cap with his medals on it – “for being a good boy.” 

His greatest love was his wife of 58 years, Doris Mae (Anthony).  They married September 12, 1953 and moved to Piscataway in 1958 where they lived most of their lives together raising their six children.  In 2013 Charlie moved to western Massachusetts to be near his daughter and her family.  He recently returned to Piscataway to be near his sons and their families.

He enjoyed playing pool, visiting with his family and dogs and could usually be found with his southern gal - his dog Rosie by his side.  He was a kind, caring, charming jokester who put a smile on everyone’s face.  It was hard to have a bad day in his presence.  He knew no strangers, only friends he hadn’t met yet.

He was an exceptional role model as a provider and protector.  Later in life he shared his acquired wisdom through beautiful stories of his life and the acceptance of all that came his way.  He was a straight shooter that spoke with dignity and good humor. 

The world was a better place because he was in it.  He did not want us to cry when he left because we wouldn’t be able to hear the angels sing when he did.  In his words he “had a good run.”

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris, sons Charles and Timothy, his parents Edward and Ruth and his bothers James, John and George.

He is survived by a son Thomas Hennessy and spouse Nancy Van Dyke, of Manahawkin, NJ,  a daughter Carrie Hennessy of Shelburne Falls, MA, a son William Hennessy and wife Jessica Hennessy of Manahawkin, NJ, a son Edward Hennessy and wife Suzanne Hennessy of Piscataway, NJ; his grandchildren Erin Wilson and husband Marc Wilson, Kate Hennessy and boyfriend Timothy McWilliams, Paul Ferretti and husband Paul Jones, Beth Martin and husband Barrett Martin, Laura Rubinaccio and husband Antonio Rubinaccio, Roseanne Potts, Alyssa Newhart and William Hennessy Jr.; 10 great grandchildren; a brother Thomas Hennessy and wife Connie, a sister Pat & his beloved dog Rosie.

Friends may visit the family on Friday, August 5 from 4:00-8:00pm at the Sheenan Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 6 at 10:00am with burial to follow at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway.

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