Charles F. Blue Sr. (a.k.a. Pops), 96, of Neptune, NJ peacefully departed this life on Friday, January 19, 2024. Charles was born June 26, 1927, in Long Branch, NJ to the late Julius S. Blue Sr. and Jennie Blue. He attended Ridge Avenue Elementary School and graduated from Neptune High School. He later met and married the love of his life, Mary Kenney in 1953. To this blessed union, five sons were born. He attended St. Augustine Episcopal Church in his early years. Charles was drafted in 1950 into the US Army where he served for 2 years. He later went on to work at Fort Monmouth for 30 years as a Logistics Administrator. He was a lover of fishing and fished whenever he got the opportunity with his brothers' in-law. He had a love for R&B music and his favorite group was the Temptations, he also loved watching his cooking shows but most of all he loved his family. Pops dedicated many years of his life to his beloved grandchildren.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Blue, and son, Charles F. Blue Jr.
He is survived by his loving sons Aubrey (Debbie), Daniel (Theresa), Kenneth (Meta), and Kyle Sr. (Theresa); his grandsons Kevin, Andre, Isaiah, Charles, Isaac, Brenden, Kyle Jr., and Kenny Blue, Gilbert, Keith and Daryen Reed, and Rayshon Jones; his granddaughters Alyssa, Kelli, Christina, Audrea, Angela, Melita, Kiyanna, Tekala, Kalea, Kelsie Blue and Kendra Reed; he has 25 great-grandchildren; his brother Donald Blue Sr.; his daughter-in-law Linda Blue-Townes and a host of nieces and nephews.
The world has lost a gentle soul. Charles was my mother, Gladys Mills Griffin’s, first cousin. His father and her mother were brother and sister. My Mom was an only child and Donald, Charles, Bobby, Julius and Palmer were like siblings. Aunt Jenny occasionally watched my brother, Horace, and me at both Drummond Avenue homes. The Blue house was always busy with family and friends, with Aunt Jenny multitasking while glued to Yankees games. I will always remember Charles as calm under pressure, a proud father, kind and considerate, with a sly smile which exposed a dry wit and quiet understanding of the situation.
I hadn’t seen Charles since his 90th birthday party. It was a tangible tribute to a life well lived. He was surrounded by friends and family who not only loved him deeply but respected him. There seems to be nothing more important or that signifies ultimate success, in this life, than the love you give and receive. There’s no doubt where his spirit has flown. It’s with the loved ones whom God called before him. I truly believe he was left here longer to demonstrate to other generations what love and grace are, in practice.
Sorry for your loss, please accept our deepest condolences. Praying for you and your family.
From your Las Vegas Smith Family.