In Memoriam: Red Bank Fireman, Former Fair Haven Public Works Foreman, Chuck King Jr., 71

Little Silver resident, Red Bank fireman and former Fair Haven Department of Public Works foreman, Chuck King Jr., passed away on Aug. 10, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. He was 71.

Affectionately known as “The Crab King,” Chuck was born in Red Bank and remained a lifelong resident of the area.

“After a life well-lived, filled with service and adventure, Chuck has gone fishing — off to calmer waters and open skies, where the lines are always tight and the Tiki Bars never close …

“A graduate of Red Bank High School’s Class of ’73, Chuck was active in sports, playing softball and wrestling. He served his country in the U.S. National Guard, specializing in tank recovery. Chuck went on to work for the Red Bank Water Department before joining the Fair Haven Public Works Department, where he retired as a foreman after 25 years of dedicated service …

“Chuck was a passionate fan of the New York Giants, the Mets, and Notre Dame football. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish—one of his proudest moments was catching a 263-pound bluefin tuna. He and the love of his life, Marilyn, shared a passion for travel, especially to the Florida Keys, where they enjoyed fishing and discovering every Tiki Bar they could find.”
Loved ones of Chuck King in his obituary

Following retirement, Chuck continued to work as a truck driver for Ryser’s Landscaping. He was a life member of Union Hose Company of the Red Bank Fire Department, where he served as captain. His commitment and service earned him the David J. Allen Firefighter of the Year Award twice, and in 2018, he proudly received his 45-year service pin. In 2014, he was appointed captain of the Red Bank Fire Police.

Chuck is survived by: his beloved wife, Marilyn King, of Little Silver; his daughter, Tamatha Degugus, of Red Bank; his son, Sean Onuschak, of Middletown; his grandchildren, Antonio, Samantha, and Devon; and his great-granddaughter, Amelia Rose.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank, with a firemen’s service at 7. Private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chuck’s memory may be made to Union Hose Company, 161B Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home