Livingston Mourns For One Of Its ‘Favorite Sons,’ Charles Tahaney

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston continues to mourn for one of its “favorite sons,” Charles Tahaney, who died last week at the age of 75.

Tahaney, a third-generation “favorite son of Livingston,” passed away quietly on Feb. 10. According to his obituary, which can be seen in full here:

“Educated in the Livingston public schools, he was a proud graduate of the LHS class of 1963. He graduated in 1967 from St. Peter's College, Jersey City with a BS in English/Education. In 1972 he earned an MBA in public administration from Seton Hall's Paul Stillman School of Business.

“His military experience began in 1963 as a freshman at St. Peter's College, Jersey City where he participated in the ROTC program. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. Chuck served in an Advanced Infantry unit in Vietnam (HHC 2nd Bn Mech 8th Inf 4th Inf Div), was wounded in combat and awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze star for valor. He held our country's veterans in the highest regard. He was a life member of the Livingston VFW Post 2856.

“Chuck spent his more than 36 year career in public service, embracing the motto "service above self." He became the assistant township manager to Livingston's first town manager Robert Harp, who was his mentor and friend. Chuck served as town manager of Montville Township for six years before returning to Livingston to assume duties as manager when Mr. Harp retired. Chuck was a silver shining thread in the fabric of Livingston. He cared for his employees and was ready with a smile and sometimes easily moved to tears with pride and emotion. Chuck completed his tenure as manager and retired in 2005.

“As a widely respected civil servant Chuck received many awards and citations from state and local government organizations. In the late 1980s he travelled to Russia as a delegate with the ICMA representing NJ. In 2010 he was honored as Unico Citizen of the Year. Chuck was a veteran honoree selected by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2015. He served as a past president of NJMMA. In 2019 he was honored at the League of Municipalities with a recognition of fifty years service in NJMMA. He was well thought of in the professional managers' community.

“After retirement Chuck continued to serve the town for 15 years as a volunteer for a number of civic projects and service organizations. He was a member of the Town Golf Committee, the Board of Trustees of the Livingston Public Library and the Livingston First Aid Squad.”

Mayor Shawn Klein offered a message of mourning for Tahaney last week. He wrote:

“Livingston, it is with great sadness I can inform you of the passing of an outstanding Livingstonian and our former Town Manager, Chuck Tahaney. Chuck served as Town Manager for twenty years after previously serving as Deputy Township Manager under Robert Harp and retired in 2005. He had since served in many capacities and was a dedicated presence on the Library Board where I had the pleasure of working with him. Chuck will be missed by all and his family is in our prayers.”

The Livingston Police Department also offered a message of tribute.

“Chuck will be sorely missed,” the LPD stated. “Much of what the police department is today is because of his efforts, vision, and perseverance.”

“Chuck was a leader and mentor to those he worked with, friend to those he met, family man to the ones that he loved and a hero to our country and township,” police continued. “Livingston has certainly lost a true legend. His service to his country and community is and will always be an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve their loss.”

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