TAPS: Passing of Commander (Ret) Charles E. “Chuck" Johnson, III, 81 

The members of the NIP’s New York Chapter regret to advise that their shipmate, Commander Charles “Chuck” E. Johnson, III, of Holmdel, New Jersey, passed away on 31 July 2025. A stalwart member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, and a plank owner of NIP’s New York Chapter, Chuck was a leader, teacher, friend and colleague to a generation of  Navy Reservists.

While a native New Yorker, born in Staten Island, Chuck raised his family primarily in New Jersey. Upon graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he gained a background in electrical systems. That background served him well in his early civilian career as an HVAC technician. Chuck built on his Air Force experience, and while working full time in that demanding field in New York City, he earned his bachelor's degree from the City University of New York, a master's degree from Wagner College, and embarked upon his long-term career as a software engineer with AT&T. Chuck also returned to the military, earning a commission as a Naval Intelligence Officer.

During his Navy Reserve career, Chuck held numerous positions of responsibility, culminating in Command of DIA HQ Unit 0602 at Fort Totten in Queens, New York.

Always a kind and generous man, Chuck was very much a 'people person,' devoted to his family, his country, and the Navy—fond of travel, a history buff, and an inveterate "do it yourselfer" around home. Chuck will be missed.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Sharon, his sons, Charles IV and Daniel, their wives, Katherine and Pauline, respectively, and his grandchildren, Ayla, Brigid, Penelope, and Reilly Jett.