Longtime former Fair Havenite Charles Cady is remembered for many things: his service in the U.S. Air Force, his engineering expertise, his love of good music and storytelling, his fondness for friends not yet met, his keen memory and wit, and, his passion for the Porsche and a good life’s ride.

The 87-year-old passed away surrounded by loved ones at his Long Branch home on March 26. Just weeks before, for his 87th birthday, his dear friends took the opportunity to gift him with a flash before his eyes of one of the loves of his life in a parade of Porsches past his hospice window.

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His children wheeled his bed to a window where he could get a front row seat to his 87th birthday salute and hear the engines of the more than 40 Porsches revving up in celebration. The highlight: his prized old bright blue classic model perched on a flatbed.

Cady’s content smile in the March 1 photo (featured, top) tells the story of the man who moved to Fair Haven in 1966, raised four children there, who all graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH), and persevered in his hometown-rooted passions.

His passion for Porsches, in particular, culminated in his status as the longest-standing member of the Jersey Shore Porsche Club of America on his birthday celebration. Cady joined in 1970. “Over the years he acted as a flag man and corner worker at racing events and enjoyed participating in local car shows and concours where he made many wonderful, lasting friendships,” his family said in his obituary.

Along with his love of Porsches, great friends, family and forging life-long connections with a purpose, Cady is remembered for seeing and embracing it all through his warm, inviting bright blue eyes and engaging smile.

“He was genuinely a person who believed there were no strangers, only friends he hadn’t met,” family said in his obituary. “He would often tell detailed stories of others’ life happenings over time and dutifully checked his daily calendar for meaningful dates, so he could keep in touch. It was clear that if something was important to his circle then it became important to him, and he remembered.” 

All are invited to a visitation memorializing Charles Cady from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation at 7151 N. Main St., Ste. 2, Clarkston, MI 48346 or at amyloidosis.com.

Here’s Charles Cady’s life story from his obituary …

Born in Torrington, CT, Cady attended the school system there, then entered the Gunnery where he graduated in the class of 1951. He later attended Johns Hopkins and George Washington universities majoring in engineering. He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force in the far east and in Washington D.C.

Cady’s main occupation during his working years were with prestigious hydraulics and pneumatic companies throughout the United States. During his last 10 years of employment, he became a sales engineer for LuK Inc., in Valley City, OH, servicing heavy duty truck manufacturers.

In addition to his love of and knowledge about classic cars, he amazed his family and friends with his wide-ranging taste in and knowledge of great music. He catalogued his large collection, attended live concerts, and more recently could be found exploring new discoveries on the internet. Whether it was Procol Harem or Pavarotti, he loved to share his finds with others, and frequently it was something new for them. He understood how music could touch people’s hearts.

He is survived by: his previous wife MaryLyn Cady Bilow; his children, Leslie Cady, Jeanine (Thomas) Cumiskey, Charles Jeffrey (Chrys) Cady, James Lawrence (Stephanie) Cady. 

He is also survived and by: his step daughters, Lisa Carmel Fahay (Peter Troast) and Christine Fahey Gavin; his grandchildren, Rachel and Morgan Cumiskey, CJ Cady and Jennifer (Joseph) Alpaugh, along with Alex, Christian and Abigail Cady, Will Gavin, and Tucker and McKenna Troast; his partner, Janice Bruce; his brother, Jonathan (Ellen) Cady; and by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is predeceased by: his parents, Charles and Marion Cady, and his beloved second, wife Barbara Maider Fahay.

RIP, Charles Cady. You are remembered.