Charles Clifford Hullfish Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 5, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida. He was 92.
Born on May 12, 1931, in Trenton, New Jersey, Charles was the son of Helen Grace Marple and Charles Clifford Hullfish Sr. Charles (“Charlie”) was deeply rooted in the Lawrenceville area. He attended Lawrenceville Elementary School, Lawrenceville Prep School, and Rutgers University until he was drafted into the Korean War. At Lawrenceville Prep, he was a multisport athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and track, where he earned the nickname “fleet foot.” His track career included winning medals at the Penn Relays and Madison Square Garden. He also appeared in the MGM movie “The Happy Years” filmed at the school.
During the Korean War, Charlie served as an Army Corporal with the 1437th Engineering Company, contributing to the war effort by building treadway bridges. He demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment, earning two Bronze Stars and being wounded in action.
Upon returning from the war, Charlie married the love of his life, the late Dorothy Hattie Farr of Spring Lake, and together they raised their family. Their 58-year marriage was a testament to their enduring love and partnership. He was always there for special moments like cheering on the Phillies and Eagles at Veterans Stadium; teaching body surfing at the Jersey Shore (Spring Lake); vacations to Dutch Wonderland, the North Pole, and Disney World; tying skates for early-morning hockey practices; traveling to soccer games; applauding at concerts; and enjoying auto races.
Charlie was known for his infectious smile and service to his community. For over 50 years, he was a member of the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, Lawrenceville Fire Company, and Lawrenceville American Legion Post 414, Lawrenceville Rotary, and Elks. He also sponsored a team and coached in the Lawrence Little League. After the war, he settled into the family business, Lawrenceville Fuel, and rose to become its president. For over 30 years he worked hard to build its prosperity and reputation, often going above and beyond by waking up in the middle of the night to deliver fuel oil to those in need. He also leveraged his engineering knowledge as a chief engineer for the State of New Jersey. In retirement, Charlie continued to contribute, using his knowledge of the area to procure work projects for Mercer Wrecking and assisting in the cleanup of 9/11 in New York City. Even in his golden years in Bradenton, Charlie was known as the “go-to- man” in the neighborhood, serving on the Perico Bay Club HOA Board, and volunteering time to the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church.
Surviving him are: daughter, Kathie Lynn Hullfish (Laura Kuhn) of Charlottesville; VA; son, Keith Charles Hullfish (Karen) of San Diego; daughter, Kimberly Ann Hullfish of Woolwich, NJ; grandson, Casey Hullfish of San Diego; grandson, Trevor Hullfish of Princeton; great- granddaughter, Harper Rebecca Hullfish of England; and great granddaughter, Harlow Hullfish of Piscataway. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Hullfish, of Lawrenceville, NJ; sister-in-law, Ginger Brown and brother-in-law Seth Brown of Port Clinton, OH; nephews Scott Brown of St Louis, MO and Shawn Brown of Medina, OH; along with several great-nephews and great-nieces. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his son, Richard Kevin Hullfish, and his grandson, Dylan Charles Hullfish.
To celebrate Charlie’s life, visitation and service will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at Blackwell Memorial Home, 21 N Main Street in Pennington, NJ. Visitation starts at 9:30am with the service starting at 11:00am. The interment ceremony will follow immediately at Lawrenceville Cemetery, with a luncheon reception to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Home Society of NJ, the American Cancer Society, the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, or your charity of choice.
His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.