Charles John Butkus Jr.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our father on January 24, 2026. Charles was born in Linden, NJ, on June 24, 1931. He moved to Freehold, NJ, in 1957 with his wife Barbara, where he resided the rest of his life.

Charles is survived by his three daughters: Linda Boutote Conklin (Robert), Donna Butkus McNamara (Jeremiah), Gail Walling (Michael); six grandchildren, Allison Boutote Conte (Carl), Bonnie Walling DeVeux (John), Tricia Boutote Gruber (Adam), Kristin Walling Riley (Daniel), Carly McNamara, and Thomas McNamara; and seven great-grandchildren, Emma, Gabriella, Matthew, Taylor, Dylan, Michael and Haylee. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Butkus of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Charles is survived by his longtime companion Julie Germanski; her daughter Deborah Germanski Petersen (Thomas) and their children, Lindsay and Matthew; and her son Mark Germanski (Asdis). He was predeceased by his sister, Anne Hempel, and his brother Anthony Butkus.

Charles leaves behind many amazing neighbors, for whom we are deeply thankful, as well as numerous lifelong friends. We would like to give special thanks to his live-in aide, Katcheta Langley, for her patience, dedication, and excellent care. We are also very grateful for Glenn Cashion for all of his extra help, friendship, and frequent visits. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the visiting nurses and hospice team for their compassionate care and expertise.

Charles retired from BP Oil Corporation in 1992 to care for his wife, Barbara, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 1993. He was a Korean war veteran, serving from 1951 to 1954, and he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

Beyond his service to his country, Charles actively participated in many community events. He was an dedicated member of the Marine Corps League, Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds Detachment. Most recently, he was extremely proud of his C. Butkus Marine Corps street topper, presented on July 4, 2025, by the Freehold Borough Mayor and Council. He made a point of visiting the corner daily to ensure the sign remained in place.

Known affectionately as “Charlie”, he remained totally independent until recent years and was fiercely proud of it. He lived a full and purposeful life and was a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. He regularly walked from his home into the town of Freehold and became widely recognized as “Charlie the Walker”. He had a huge smile and firm handshake for all and had a genuine love for people. He always asked how the traffic was, and his parting words were usually, “Be good, and be careful.” He was a longtime friend of Bill W. Above all, he was a great father, loving grandfather, and a generous, thoughtful, kind man, and he will be missed by all.

Although our dad’s health declined during his final year, we will always cherish this time we had with him. He remained gracious, appreciative, and thankful for the care and extra attention. The kindness shown by his friends and neighbors will forever be remembered by his family.

Per his wishes, we are honoring his decision not to hold any services. Funeral arrangements will be private. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may consider contributing to Toys for Tots or the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Home Care and Hospice.

Rest in peace, Dad. You are forever etched in our hearts.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com