Charles W. Schilling
Longtime Livingston fire chief; WWII veteran
Charles W. Schilling, 98, of Livingston, N.J., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.
He was born in Livingston to Henrietta and Charles J. Schilling. Charles served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II. A lifelong Livingston resident, Charles played football in high school, graduating in 1939.
He attended Officer's Candidate School and attained the rank of first lieutenant, commanding an ambulance company, and serving in five campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland. He was awarded five major stars overseas for treating and evacuating casualties.
Following World War II, he resumed service with the Livingston Fire Department, ultimately serving as chief for 35 years of his 77 years with the Township of Livingston. He was instrumental in chartering the Livingston First Aid Squad, clocking thousands of calls. He also served as an American Red Cross and CPR instructor.
Throughout his life, Charlie served in many capacities benefitting the state of New Jersey, including fire coordinator for Essex County, the Essex County Chiefs Association, the N.J. Chiefs Association, and the International Chiefs Association. He was the chairman of the N.J. Fire Code Council. He continued to serve in a professional capacity for the township as fire official and sub code official until his retirement in January 2019 at age 97.
He was the beloved husband of the late Marie Elizabeth Schilling; loving father of Susan Erstling and her husband, Christopher and Chuck Schilling and his wife, Sue; cherished grandfather of Emily and Kate Erstling, Briana Potter and her husband, Jay and Christian Schilling and his wife, Jamie.
He was the adoring great-grandfather of Sydney, Hannah, Arlo and Rowan and dear brother of Robert Schilling and his wife, Pat; Herbert Schilling and his late wife, Jean; Barbara Van Arsdale and her husband, Bill; the late Dorothy Rimelis and her husband, Ed and the late Ruth Lovenguth and her husband, Fred. Charles also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends and colleagues.
An avid craftsman in his spare time, Charlie designed and constructed holiday decorations and garden fixtures featured locally and in New England. Charlie also grew tomatoes no deer could resist and was a master of jigsaw puzzles.
Although he dedicated his life to the serious business of saving lives, the chief's ability to find humor in any situation kept spirits high for all around him. He was a treasured member of the community, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. He served as a role model and inspirational leader to many.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston on Monday, Jan. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. followed by a fireman's service.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Livingston First Aid Squad or the Livingston Fire Department. To leave condolences for the family, please visit quinnhoppingfuneral.com.