Charles Rostron

Charles Rostron, 98, died peacefully on February 6, 2024.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, one of eleven children to the late George and Caroline Rostron, nee Gerber, he was raised in the Finderne section of Bridgewater and Raritan before graduating from Somerville High School. He and his eight brothers all served in the United States Armed Forces with Charles proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during World War II.

He met the love of his life, Marie Bacchilega, and the two were married in 1947, and settled in Somerville, where they raised their family. In 1952 he began his career with the Somerville Police Department, and moved through the ranks to Sergent in 1963, Lieutenant in 1968, Captain in the beginning of 1970 before becoming the Chief of the Somerville Department in July of that year. Mr. Rostron led Somerville through difficult times of community unrest. He held his position with human sensitivity and understanding while concurrently enforcing firmness that was fair and just. He was a member of the Somerville Elks, N. J. Chiefs of Police, as well as the Somerville P.B.A. and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He was well known for his athletic position with the Somerville Rangers, five-time State softball Champions.

Charles was retired for one whole year before deciding retirement wasn’t for him. He took his lifelong carpentry skills to do projects for his community, family, and friends. He was known as “Mr. Fix-It”, always able to renovate or repair any job large or small. Charles enjoyed garage and estate sales where he would acquire unique and sometimes odd fixtures and items, he would use in his carpentry work. From tools, faucets, doors, and beyond, Mr. Fix-It always had something on hand.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie Rostron.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Nancy Cramer and husband Richard and Arlene Coady and husband Brian, his cherished grandchildren, Ryan and husband Brett, Katie and husband Chris, Kendal and husband Tim, Emma and husband Rich, Caroline, and Sam, his great-grandchildren Gabbie, Bea,, Ryland, and Beckett, as well as his dear brother, Jim Rostron, his extended family, and friends.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:00AM.

Inurnment will follow at St. Bernard Mausoleum, Bridgewater.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and/or Wounded Warriors