Charles Taraskewicz

Charles (Charlie) Taraskewicz was born on May 13, 1947, in Baltimore, the only son of Joseph and Ann Taraskewicz. The family moved to Levittown, Pa., after his father was transferred to Fairless Steel when Charlie was little. Following his father’s passing at age 42 when Charlie was 12, his mother was left to raise him on her own. He graduated from Pennsbury High School, not far from Levittown, Pa.

Charlie served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. He was stationed on the USS Paul Revere, a troop transport ship based in San Diego. He was an electrician (EM3) who served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.

After serving his country, Charlie worked as a sales representative for Hughes Enterprises for 42 years, earning numerous awards for his dedicated work on behalf of his clients and for his success in helping the company grow.

His interests were varied – he enjoyed scuba diving and car racing and he belonged to the Dodge Viper Club. He owned a horse named Watermelon and participated in various equestrian events. He had a passion for dogs and showed Afghan Hounds, traveling with them to Canada, Texas and Florida on dog show circuits.

In 1999, Charlie married Luba Siryj. They lived in Whitehouse Station, NJ where he and Luba were members of The Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church. They were married for 21 years and together they owned two greyhound rescues – Cleopatra (Cleo) and Ruby. They were committed to the cause of greyhound rescue and rehabilitation. Charlie and Luba were full of life and they loved to travel. Their favorite destinations included the Caribbean and Hilton Head, N.C. They loved to entertain family and friends and were warm and welcoming to everyone they met. They eventually settled in Fawn Lake Forest, Pa., where they enjoyed taking guests on their pontoon boat around the lake.

Sadly, Charlie’s last years were difficult, as his health declined following a stroke in 2015 and after he lost his wife, Luba, in 2020. He passed away on January 11th, 2023.

His family and friends will always remember him for his hospitality, warmth, generosity and good humor. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church,  60 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981.   A Funeral Service will commence at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at St. Andew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, South Bound Brook.