Charles J. Druce, Jr.

Charles J. Druce, Jr., 87, of Mickleton, passed away October 31, 2026. Survived by his loving companion, Dotty Pettibone, for over 37 years, devoted father of Jeffrey (Jennifer) Druce, Bradley (Jackie Fox) Druce, loving grandfather of Michael (Lauren Rogala) Druce, Ryan Druce and Ethan Druce. Also survived by many extended family and friends. Predeceased by his father, Charles J "Joe" Druce, Sr., his mother Jane Druce, his brother Thomas E. "Ted" (survived by his wife, Carol, who remains a cherished member of the family), and his sister Jeanne Druce. 

Born in Camden, NJ, and raised in Merchantville, NJ, Charlie was a 1956 graduate of Merchantville High School. While there, he was a Boys State Delegate and a varsity football player.

After moving to Audubon, NJ, his sons played in the Audubon Little League; Charlie served as a coach, umpire, and field maintenance volunteer. One of his biggest contributions was spearheading a major field renovation that began in 1976. He surveyed, realigned, and upgraded the fields to proper specifications.

During the late 70s and early 80s, he served seven years on the Audubon Board of Education. His major contributions came as a member of the negotiating team. This included one particularly tense teacher’s contract session that lasted well into the early morning. To ease the pressure, both sides left the high school library, walked down to the gym and, at 2 a.m., shot hoops for an hour. It resulted in lowered tensions, and some common ground was found on the court.

Another contribution was getting the high school to help with the Little League field budget. As both parties used the fields, he got the school board to increase its portion of the funding. That, in conjunction with the field maintenance he did personally, made Audubon a desired location for Little League district games and high school softball playoff games. In 2010, these efforts were recognized as he was elected to the Audubon Little League Hall of Fame.

Charlie was a NJSIAA football official for 22 years. He also officiated at the peewee football level. He was part of the officiating crew for the inaugural New Jersey North-South Football Classic in 1979. He and his crew returned many times.

His professional life started in 1958, working in the Transmitter Section for RCA. In 1964, he worked as a safety engineer for Kemper Insurance Co. A year later, he moved to Philadelphia Insulated Wire Co., working in scheduling, as a supervisor, and as a purchasing agent. In 1980, he returned to RCA for 26 years as it transitioned to General Electric, then Martin Marietta, and finally Lockheed-Martin. Charlie scheduled production in their model shop, and later managed the logistics of the spare parts for the US Navy’s Aegis radar system. He salvaged a supply chain that was in deep trouble. His leadership ensured that the entire fleet had the spare parts they needed.

After retiring from Lockheed, he worked for a few seasons as a starter at Westwood Golf Club. He worked for a local engineering firm delivering sealed contract bids, and he also worked as a New Jersey Court Volunteer Mediator for Cumberland, Salem, and Gloucester counties.

As a player, official, coach, or a fan, Charlie had a lifelong love of sports. His friends and family often joked that all his memories were tied to sporting events. As in, “I remember that day. It was the same day the Phillies were playing the Cardinals….” He was an avid bowler and golfer. In addition to the golf he played in South Jersey, there were countless golf trips to Myrtle Beach, Florida, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Nothing made him happier than a happy hour. Whether it was cheese and crackers at home, or he and Dotty at a restaurant with friends or family, the chance to sit and talk, share laughs and memories, or just watch the game was something that brought him great joy. 

Family and friends are invited to his celebration of life on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 9:30-11am, at the LANDOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Broad St., Paulsboro NJ. A short service will immediately follow at 11am. Inurnment will take place at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro NJ.  To share condolences/memories please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com  In lieu of flowers please donate to Food Bank of NJ, 1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken NJ 08110 https://foodbanksj.org/