Charles R. Behnke, Sr. , of Boonton, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover, NJ. He was 81 years old.

Mr. Behnke was born in Paterson, NJ and lived in Lincoln Park, NJ before moving to Boonton in 1988. He was a past member of the Lincoln Park Vol. Fire Dept. In Boonton he was a member of the Boontonites and the Friendship Club. He also served in the US National Guard.

Charles was an electrician and a member of the IBEW Local # 102, Parsippany for the past 45 years. He had a 29 year career with the union, retiring in 1992.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (Manning) in 2003; daughter Mary Linda; brothers Joseph & Philip; sisters Rita Hohman & Mary Lacitignola

Surviving are his children, with their spouses, Cynthia & Kevin Osborne of Boonton and Charles & Kristyn Behnke, Jr. of Bloomingdale, NJ; a brother Henry & Marion Behnke of Alabama ; a sister Laura & George Stoddart of Lincoln Park; 3 grandchildren Jessica M., Joseph C. and Josh; friend Joyce Force of W. Milford, NJ.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Ave., Boonton on Thursday, March 14th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Funeral Mass Celebrating his life will be offered at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church, Boonton on Friday, March 15th at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Boonton.

For online condolences or information please visit www.codeymackeyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Aquad, PO Box 16, Boonton, NJ 07005 would be deeply appreciated.