Charles James Muller, USN Retired CPO, passed away on October 29, 2024. Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born on May 17, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ.
Charlie is survived by his children Cynthia M. Owen of Casselberry, FL, Charles Jr. (Samie) Muller of Madison, AL, Joanmarie “Marie” Lucas, of Casselberry, FL and William K. (Veronica) Muller of Orlando, FL, 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan D. Muller, his parents Gustav and Catherine Muller, his siblings Catherine Greer and Robert Muller of Emerson, NJ, and survived by his siblings Gustav (Bogusia) Muller, Jr., of Northville, NY and Marilyn Greene of Mahwah, NJ.
Charlie graduated from Westwood High School, NJ in 1954 and joined the Navy in 1955 where he continued his education in Electrical Aviation. He met Joan in 1955 and they were married on July 21, 1956 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Daytona Beach, FL. Together they raised their children while stationed in various Naval locations. After retiring from the Navy, as a 20-year Veteran Aviation Electrician Chief, in August 1974, they settled in Altamonte Springs, FL.
Charlie worked as a Mechanical Engineer for American Machinery in Orlando. He retired 1998 and began spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed life to its fullest with his wife of 65 years.
Dad was an honorable man. Our Hero who was brave, adventurous and strong. A compassionate man, grateful and kind. Throughout his Naval career he proudly served his country with honor and had numerous combat missions during the Vietnam War. He was unwavering in his duty, faith and pride of country. When he came home between deployments, we were all thrilled as he spent individual time with each of us. His love of baseball began with the Dodgers from Brooklyn to LA.
It was exciting to go to a game with him where he would talk with some of the players. Taking Charlie, Jr on fishing trips, with a brown paper bag of PBJ’s, soda and chips between them; talking about family, baseball and laughing. He took his children to the beach and played in the ocean tide with them. He instilled the love of hard work and craftsmanship, sharing his skills and knowledge of the projects he took on with Bill. Marie would play cards every Saturday afternoon with Dad and shared pictures taken during the week.
We watched with excitement as our parents’ dance in the living room and we know they are dancing together now. Dad fought a courageous battle of ailments, and we are so grateful that he was with us for so long. He was a fantastic Father and family man who we will miss dearly; remembering his smile, laughter, wit and his kind ways of always thinking of others.