Obituary of Charles E. Kranz

Charles E. Kranz, 72, of Byram Township, NJ, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at his home.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, on March 30, 1953 to the late Charles R. and the late Helen(Sullivan) Kranz, Charles-affectionately known as Charlie-loved growing up in Hoboken. He earned his Bachelor of Economics from Jersey City State College, where he also worked in the college library. It was there that he formed a lifelong friendship with a coworker who would later become his beloved wife. Charlie spent his professional life as a devoted employee at New York Life, where he worked for forty years.

After starting a family, Charlie settled in Byram Township, where he has resided for the past thirty-eight years. Throughout his life, he was passionate about serving his community through involvement on a multitude of committees, including the Byram Township Recreation Committee. Charlie was also an extremely dedicated member of the Byram Township Board of Education for seventeen years, serving as president for several terms.

Charlie was a lifelong sports fan, passionately supporting the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He had a zest for life and loved taking car rides, striking up conversations with friendly faces while running errands, and surprising his girls with chocolate or ice cream from ShopRite. A meticulous planner, he took pride in organizing family vacations, and was widely regarded as the family's resident Disney World expert.

Though he moved from the city years ago, Charlie never quite lost his classic Hoboken accent—a trait his daughters lovingly teased him about throughout the years. Charlie will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering devotion to his family and community, and his unique ability to make everyone feel welcome. Charlie had a knack for telling familiar stories—often ones his family had heard many times before—but he always made sure to laugh just as hard every single time. His joy was infectious, and his ability to find humor and heart in everyday life made being around him feel like home. Though he did not grow up with pets, Charlie had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved family pets, including Duncan and Tucker.

Charlie was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Syracuse and his brother, Robert Kranz. Survivors include his wife of forty-seven years: Deborah "Debby" (Sterlacci), two daughters, Audra Bauer and her husband, Charles; and, Courtney Zwingle and her husband, Matthew; and, his grandchildren John Bear and Colette Adelpha. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces, including his oldest nephew, Albert Syracuse, who Charlie always considered more as a brother.

Charlie's family is comforted in knowing that he is now holding his first granddaughter, Kalia Jade, whom he loves so much in Heaven. Charlie's Life Celebration will include a memorial visitation on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A prayer service will be offered at 6:30 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Charlie to the Division of Neurology at CHOP (https://give2.chop.edu/give/317437/#!/donation/checkout).