Charles Edward Johnson III, 82, of Holmdel, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel.

Charles was born and raised on Staten Island, New York to parents Charles Edward Jr. and Catherine Johnson.  While a native New Yorker, he raised his family primarily in New Jersey, starting in Brick but soon moving to High Bridge before settling in Holmdel with his family in 1980. The family also spent a year in Tokyo Japan.

After completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  After his service concluded with an honorable discharge, he used his knowledge of electrical systems acquired in the Air Force to begin a career as an HVAC technician in New York City.  While working full time at this labor-intensive job, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the City University of New York and a master’s in business administration from Wagner College.  After completing his education, he became a Software Engineer with AT&T and returned to the military as a United States Naval Intelligence Officer.

A kind and generous man, Charles was very much a ‘people person’ and was proud of his Catholic faith. He loved his dogs dearly and had an extensive collection of Lionel trains. Around the house, he was extremely handy and was always working on home improvement projects. He was also fond of traveling, even on his work trips, as well as attending historical lectures.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Catherine Johnson, his sister, Elizabeth, and his beloved dogs, Mocha and Drake. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his sons, Charles Johnson IV and his wife, Katherine; and Daniel Johnson and his wife, Paulina; and his grandchildren, Ayla, Brigid, Penelope, and Reilly Jett.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 2pm to 6pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 9:15am at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733. Entombment will follow at the Holmdel Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org.