Charles Albert Lawson, 71, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at his home in Tinton Falls, after a courageous battle with cancer for the past eight years. He was born Oct. 31, 1942 in the Bronx, NY to the late Robert Bernard Lawson and Isabella (McPeake) Lawson. He grew up in the Bronx with a life rich in stories until his family moved to Long Branch, NJ in 1952. Charles established himself with distinction through his career, his immense enthusiasm for life, his natural gift for storytelling, his love of cards, the racetrack, and golf, and his great generosity. Charles was predeceased by his sister, Mary Lawson Van Loon. Surviving are his son, Sean Lawson, daughter-in-law, Karen Lawson; his daughter, Dana Pounds and son-in-law, James Pounds; granddaughters, Ava and Jade Lawson; brother, Robert Bernard Lawson Jr., and his wife, Doris Anderson, as well as nieces, Jennifer Lawson, Christina Convertino Lawson, Susan Conine, and nephews, Steven Lawson, Paul Van Loon, and Gerry Van Loon. Charles graduated from Monmouth University in 1964. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1967 to 1969. While stationed at Cape May, his crew performed numerous search and rescue operations in high seas and storms off the Atlantic Coast. Charles had a lifelong career in accounting as a CPA. He started in the financial district of Manhattan, where he worked his way up to the position of Senior Partner at a regional firm. He went on to found his own firm, Charles A. Lawson and Co. in Red Bank, New Jersey. His practice evolved and grew with partners over the years, eventually becoming Lawson, Rescinio & Schibell P.C. in Tinton Falls. Charles held CPA certifications in New York, New Jersey, and Texas. He was also an active and respected businessman, adviser, and investor. Charles was noted for commitment to service. He was an avid supporter and fundraiser for Monmouth University, serving on the Board of Trustees from 1986 to 1994. During that time, he was a member of many committees and worked to establish the Robert B. Lawson scholarship in honor of his father, a fund that each year provides one full scholarship to a worthy student. Charles served on the Board of Trustees of the Monmouth Medical Center Ronald McDonald House. Charles served on the Board of United Cerebral Palsy. He served as president at Deal Golf and Country Club from 1992 to 1994 and in several offices in prior years. Charles was a member of the Long Branch Rotary and the Ocean-Monmouth Society of CPA's. He had an amazing circle of friends throughout the community and especially at the Deal Golf and Country Club that supported him immensely when his health wavered. At the time of his death, Charles had finished a draft of a book of favorite stories from his life which will be completed shortly. Charles, we thank you for all the love you have given us. 'May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.' Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell St., Long Branch. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22 at St. Michael's R.C. Church, Long Branch. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 131 Bath Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740. To place a message in Charles Book of Memories, please visit www.woolleyboglioli.com.