EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Charles Coolong, 77, passed away peacefully on June 8, after several years of dealing with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born Oct. 27, 1928, in Phillips, the son of Charles Joseph Coolong and Iona Coolong (Philbrick). He graduated from Phillips High School in June 1947. He left for New York in 1951 to work as a volunteer at the World Headquarters of the Watchtower, Bible & Tract Society in Brooklyn, N.Y.

He married Catherine Dolan on March 14, 1953. She died May 6, 1992, after a long struggle with cancer. He married Kathleen Wagoner on June 9, 1995. She died in March.

He worked in the paper cutting/bookbinding trade until retirement. He always enjoyed a passion for photography and delivered many slide presentations on Bible topics, archaeology, and related themes.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for most of his life, he was a deeply respected and well-loved elder and full-time minister within his local East Manhattan Congregation.

He is survived by his brother, William Coolong of Avon; his sister, Agnes Cook of Phillips; his daughter, Lilly Villar of East Brunswick, N.J.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many beloved neices, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his brother, Leon; and his sisters, Pearl and Rose.

Funeral services were held, and he will be buried at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick, N.J.