Charles R. Erhardt Jr.

January 18, 1947 - April 9, 2020

Charles R. Erhardt, Jr., age 73 of Carneys Point, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 9. Charlie was born in Wilmington, Del. on January 18, 1947 to the late Charles and Thelma (nee Archer) Erhardt. A 1965 St. James High School graduate, he later earned a degree in accounting and business administration from Goldey Beacom College. Charlie helped at his family’s local business -- E & R Motor Parts, Inc. -- as a youth, and began managing the store in his 20s. Under his leadership, the business saw tremendous growth over the years, eventually establishing an additional store and doubling the size of the original location. Friendly and honest, Charlie was known for going above and beyond for his loyal customers, helping stranded travelers return to the road on evenings, Sundays and holidays. He sold his business in 1997 but continued to manage the store -- which is still in operation -- for an additional 12 years. In the community, Charlie was an active member of the Rotary Club of Penns Grove for nearly 30 years, serving as its president twice. He was Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International Foundation. While his children were active swimmers there, he was on the board of the Penns Grove YMCA, also serving at its president. Charlie was a lifelong member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish and its predecessor churches Corpus Christi and St. James. He was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and had served on the parish council. Charlie enjoyed music, especially Elvis Presley; cars; stamp collecting; Halloween; and the Phillies. Most of all, he loved his family, and was a devoted, generous and kind husband, dad and Pop-Pop. Charlie and his wife Abigail (nee Ayars) celebrated 50 years of marriage last October. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Stephanie Valgora (Richard) of Perryopolis, Pa. and Cecilia Heinbaugh of Carneys Point, and sons Charles Erhardt III of Carneys Point and James Erhardt (Catherine) of Carneys Point, and grandchildren Sarah, Rielly, Richard, Emma, Olivia and James. A sister, Ellie Gervais of Avon, Conn., also survives him. His family -- along with other relatives and friends -- will cherish their wonderful memories of him. Due to current restrictions and complying with the governor’s executive order, funeral services will be private, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. Charlie’s family suggests memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc., 90 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079 or St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 369 Georgetown Road, Carneys Point, NJ 08069. www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com