Charlotte Emma Tuccio, 98, of Franklin Township, NJ, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 7, 1925, in Riga, Latvia, Charlotte was the daughter of the late Walter Emil Ruhnke and Elise Hendel Ruhnke. At the age of two, the family emigrated to the United States, passing through Ellis Island, and settling in Chicago with her mother’s brother Karl and his family. After her mother’s passing at age 8, a job opportunity presented itself to her father and they relocated to Lyndhurst, NJ. There she would eventually meet the love of her life, Vincent James (Jim) on a blind date. They wed on June 28, 1947, and moved to Cranford from Jersey City  with their first born son Steven. A job offered them the opportunity to spend two years in Italy were they were able to travel through Europe and add a daughter Marisa to their family before returning to Cranford where they added their youngest son Douglas and raised the three  children there until Jim’s death in 1986.

Charlotte began working as a bookkeeper and in the business office at Union County College, where she employed her sharp mind and meticulous work ethic until her retirement.

She was a loving mother who encouraged her children to follow their dreams and passions, and encouraged all extracurricular activities they wished to pursue, proud of all of their achievements. She supported her children just as tirelessly throughout their adulthoods.

She was a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren, Karen and Caitlin, who held a special place in her heart, providing a constant source of love and encouragement. She ensured that no milestone went unnoticed.

Throughout her life, she remained a lifelong learner. She delighted in spending time with her friends and family and could always be relied upon for a warm laugh or a witty riposte and of course her occasional  signature bourbon sour. She played tennis  into her 80s and enjoyed activities such as bowling, travelling, and golf. She was happiest baking Christmas cookies for the holidays, an impromptu painting class or a good game of rummy with her family,  and was happy to accompany her loved ones on any adventure.

Charlotte was a beacon of light and was adored by her family and friends, she will be greatly missed. The traditions she built with her loved ones will be cherished for years to come, and the many warm memories they shared will never be forgotten.

In addition to her parents and husband, Charlotte was preceded in death by her son, Steven, in 2021. Surviving are her children and their spouses, Marisa and Robert Stuck, and Douglas and Jamie Tuccio; her daughter-in-law, Marcia Karrow; her grandchildren, Karen and her husband, Alex Chesney and Caitlin Stuck; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. James Kyrpczak will take place on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 200 Carlton Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Flemington, NJ.

Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Friday morning at 10:15 a.m., and to follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival.

Inurnment will follow Mass at 12:30 a.m. at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, NJ. Again, all are welcome.

Please visit Charlotte’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morristown Seeing Eye, via mail to 1 Seeing Eye Way, Morristown, NJ 07960, or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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