Charles E. Dillard, “Charlie D,” 68, transitioned into Omega Chapter, on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Staten Island University Hospital. He was born on February 3, 1957 in Long Branch, NJ to Algia and Mary Dillard. A proud native of Red Bank, NJ, he was educated at River Street School and graduated from Red Bank High School, Class of 1975. Charles was the “neighbor kid” who played with many friends of the Red Bank community.
As a young child, Charles was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church first but when he joined St. Thomas Episcopal Church he became an acolyte. In his later years, Charles was baptized at The Cathedral in Perth Amboy. He was a lover of all sports; baseball, basketball, tennis, Varsity football for the Red Bank Buccaneers, and golf. Although his father was the town’s barber, he was always the last kid to get his haircut.
After completing his freshman year at Hampton University, he transferred to Rutgers University-New Brunswick obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning in 1980. During his time at Rutgers, Charlie D pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., through the Thundering Tau Zeta Chapter in 1977. He later went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Sports Management at Ohio State University.
Charles dedicated his career to education having worked for the Long Branch Public School District as a Physical Education Teacher; and for the Newark Public School District, retiring after many years of devoted service as the Director of Athletics in 2010.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Maxine Owens, Kenneth Grandson, and Lois Dillard; a cousin, Monique Portia Owens. He is survived by his sister, Ardenia Dillard Clayton; two nieces and two nephews, Aaron Melbourne, Bradford, Ciara, and Danisha Clayton; sister, Janet Singleton; nieces and nephews, Tracy, Lisa, Tommy, Pam, Lynn a niece, Kim Barksdale; a great niece and nephew, Nichole Johnson and Kendrick Barksdale, a niece, Dr. Yvette Owens; two great-nieces, Rebecca and Ashley Owens, a cousin, Edward Williams; a great cousin, Karma Williams-Davis, a beloved goddaughter, Chanel Jeter; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and MANY friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dilliard Family during this difficult time
MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO CHARLES’ FAMILY, HE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND HIS MEMORIES WILL LIVE ON! REST EASY CHARLES.