Charles R. Lenkey

Charles R. Lenkey of Milltown, New Jersey passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Livia Healthcare Center, East Hanover, NJ at the age of 77 years old. Born on June 28, 1947 in New Brunswick, he lived in Franklin Township, Somerville, and Edison before moving to Milltown in 1979.

Charlie graduated from Franklin High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966. As a SFM3 sailor on the USS Forrestal from 1966-1968, Charlie worked as a sheet metal worker/welder on board the ship. Charlie’s service in the Navy, especially aboard the USS Forrestal, was impactful and heroic. In July 1967, the Forrestal suffered one of the deadliest naval accidents in U.S. history. Weapons aboard the ship accidentally discharged, resulting in a massive fire, explosions, and the loss of 134 lives. The efforts of sailors like Charlie, particularly those who worked in high-risk roles such as sheet metal workers, were crucial in managing the aftermath of this tragic event.

Charlie’s efforts on the USS Forrestal during its disaster at sea did not go unnoticed. His receipt of the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and the National Defense Service Medal speaks to the valor and dedication Charlie showed during his service. These medals are awarded for service in specific circumstances, and the Bronze Star specifically recognizes heroic or meritorious service. After being recognized for his role in fighting the fierce blaze aboard the Forrestal, Charlie was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1968.

Charlie married Judith Lenkey, his high school sweetheart, on October 5, 1968. Using his military benefits from the GI Bill, he studied business at Middlesex County College and Rutgers University.

Charlie wove his passion for cars into his professional journey. Before retiring in 2021, Charlie worked for Mazda, Western Automotive Warehouse Distributors, All County Foreign Car Parts, and IAP/Dura International.

Outside of work, Charlie enjoyed a great deal of hobbies. Anyone who knew him knew he was obsessed with cars. Charlie took great pride in caring for the cars of those in his family, performing most routine maintenance himself. He loved muscle cars, as well as fixing cars and watching races. Charlie spent many days tinkering in the garage, spectating at Flemington Speedway or parked in front of the TV for the Indy 500, The Grand Prix or NASCAR races. In addition to his passion for cars, had a knack for gardening and took tremendous pride in the crops he produced. Charlie was handy around the house and was always willing to help others fix things in their homes. He also was a loyal Rutgers football fan and New York Giants fan. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and vacationing in the Caribbean as well as Lavalette, New Jersey and Ocean City, Maryland, his family’s routine vacation spots. He loved to spend time with his family and friends, hosting many barbecues, birthday celebrations and holidays at his home. Family was very important to him.

He is predeceased by his parents, Charles Lenkey (d.1984), Ina Robinson Lenkey (d.2001), his brother Richard Rogers (d.1999) and his wife of over 50 years, Judith Lenkey (d.2023). Surviving are his daughter Robin Rosamond and her husband Geoff, his daughter Melissa Algieri and her husband Jack and his five amazing grandchildren Nicholas, Christina, Geoffrey, Brooke and Dean through whom his legacy will live on.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday April 26th from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main Street - at Riva Avenue, Milltown, NJ. A private burial will be held at Van Liew Cemetery in North Brunswick on Monday, April 28th, 2025. You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com