Charles R. "Charlie" Winther III of Beach Haven, N.J., passed away Friday, May 29, 2009, in his home. He was 59. Charlie was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 11, 1949, and lived in Bensalem until moving to Beach Haven in 1985. He graduated from Bensalem High School and Penn State University.

Charlie started as a plumber in his father's business and at the time of his certification was the youngest person to receive his Master Plumber's License. He worked as a plumber for more than 40 years, and he and his business were well known throughout the Long Beach Island community. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1971 and was stationed in Antarctica from 1969 to 1970. Charlie was an avid fisherman and shared many fishing adventures with family and friends aboard his boat, the "Bullship." His love of his sport was contagious and he hooked as many people fishing and he did fish on a line. He recently welcomed two additions to his family and was the proudest "Popeye" to grandsons Andre Cronk and Marlin Jaber. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie E. McMenamin-Winther.

In addition to his grandsons, Charlie is survived by his dearest wife, Laurel Winther; daughters Lara Jaber and her husband, Harry, and Jillienne Cronk and her husband, Justin, of Pennsylvania; his father, Charles Winther Jr. of Cincinnati; brothers James "Jimmy" Winther and his wife, Jody, of Newark, Del., and John Winther and his wife, Lorraine, of Cincinnati; and sisters Ann Marie Winther of Newark, and Elizabeth "Betty" Rossell and her husband, Rusty, of Forked River, N.J.

A celebration of Charlie Winther's life will take place from 12 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Beach Haven Fire House. Pictures, stories and memories are welcome to help remember the life of a beloved and special man.