Charlotte Kirk

Charlotte Kirk passed away peacefully, with all the love of her family, on February 28, 2026 leaving behind a beautiful legacy as a lifelong resident in Avon-by-the Sea, NJ. She was born on June 3, 1924 to the late Christian and Emma Gerlach in Wildberg, Germany and came to The United States in 1926 with her family. She was the youngest of five siblings, Emma, Fred, Karl, and Paul. 

Amongst many jobs from a young age, Charlotte’s most admirable ones were being an original member of the USO in Forest Hills, Newark where she would dance with the servicemen as a volunteer of 4 years, Secretary of the Radiology Department at Jersey Shore Medical Center (formerly, Fitkin Memorial Hospital) for 25 years, and she was a proud hospice volunteer for 15 years. 

Charlotte met the love of her life, James Kirk in Avon-by-the Sea, NJ in 1946 in which they later married and were lifetime residents since 1964 and raised their two sons, James Kirk, Jr. and David Kirk. 

She was always very involved in the community as a member of the Avon Garden Club, a volunteer for the Avon 5k up until 100 years old, and on her 100th Birthday, she was awarded “The Key to The City of Avon-by-the Sea” by Mayor Ed Bonanno. 

Charlotte touched so many hearts who loved, respected and admired her. She was a great teacher of many life lessons. She shared so many wonderful stories and constant notes and cards of her life experiences, love of history, and traveling around the world. She treated everyone with kindness and cared so deeply for others. Her greatest love and achievement was her family who always came first. 

Charlotte is survived by her sons James and (Deborah) Kirk, David and (Kathy Bradley) Kirk, Her grandchildren Travis and (Maria) Kirk, Taylor and (Ashley) Kirk, Nichole and (Frank) D’Averso, and Cameo and (Kevin) Knox. Her five great-grandchildren Briana, Wyatt, Capri, Logan and Rowan, several nieces and nephews and long time friends Marie Kenny and Bettyann Vitalie. 

She will always be remembered for her loving nature, her warmth, her knowledge, and the joy she shared with all who knew her. Charlotte will be deeply missed by her family and friends, and she will live on in our hearts forever. 

Charlotte’s Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date.

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