Charles Paashaus

Charles Rocco Paashaus, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Somerville, New Jersey.  Born in Newark on April 12, 1952, he was the beloved son of the late Constance (Posella) and Charles L. Paashaus.

Charles spent his early childhood in Newark, where he attended St. Rocco’s Grammar School.  Following his grammar school years, he moved to Irvington  New Jersey  the town where he would spend the vast majority of his life from 1966 onward and form deep community roots.  For the past ten years, he resided in Somerset County, enjoying a peaceful final chapter of his life.

He completed his high school education at Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, and later attended Fordham University for two years, cultivating a lifelong love of learning and a sharp intellect.  Charles grew up surrounded by a rich family legacy of profound achievement.

He took immense pride in his family’s roots, particularly the shared educational tradition of his father, Charles L., and his uncle, Robert, who both attended the historic Pingry School during its era in Elizabeth.Music was the true heartbeat of Charles’s life.  A gifted and passionate musician, he worked for many years as a self-employed guitarist.  While he possessed the immense technical talent that ran through his family bloodline, Charles’s musical mission was defined by his generous spirit.

He frequently lent his talents to community benefits, playing countless charity events without accepting any payment, simply to bring joy and support to causes close to his heart. Beyond his music, Charles was widely known for his quick wit and keen sense of humor, always able to brighten a room and lift the spirits of those around him. The spirit of excellence that defined the Paashaus name—from his father’s world-class career as a symphonic clarinetist and World War II musician under General Patton, to his aunt and uncle’s significant contributions to society across the military, educational, and entertainment fields—deeply shaped the man Charles became.

He carried forward their legacy of societal contribution not on a public stage, but through quiet devotion, artistic generosity, and kindness to his community.  Charles was predeceased by his beloved parents, as well as his brothers, Rocco A. Paashaus and Anthony Gregory Paashaus.  His memory, his music, and his wonderful sense of humor will be lovingly remembered and carried forward by his surviving family: his aunt, Camella Hock; his cousin, Anne Wilcox; his nephew, Rocco Paashaus; his niece, Melody daCosta; and Juniper Roth, along with a host of dear friends and fellow musicians

Private funeral and committal services have been entrusted to Cuoco Funeral & Cremation Services Funeral Home, 10 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ (908) 707-2058

We welcome you to visit our Tribute Wall to share a memory or an online condolence at www.Cuocofuneralandcremation.com