Charles Arthur Willus, Ph.D., 79, of Newtown, passed away peacefully the evening of Thursday, July 22, with the love of his family surrounding him.

Charlie was born in Oceanside, N.Y., to his parents Andrew and Bertine. He grew up in Freeport, N.Y., with his sister Christine. As a teen, he loved spending his time working on cars, swimming, boating, and fishing. A member of the National Honor Society, he attended Cornell University to study engineering, which sparked his intellectual curiosity and passion to learn more. In 1971, he graduated from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Science and technology remained a passion all his life.

He met the love of his life, Rose, in 1983 and were soon married. He became not only a husband, but also a father. He unconditionally embraced Bret, EvaMarie, and Mario as his own daughter and sons. As a family, they loved traveling, skiing, and spending time together. Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Charlie, and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

In addition to his wife, Rose, and stepchildren and their spouses, Bret Richter, EvaMarie and Paul James Trapani, and Mario and Elizabeth Richter, Charlie is survived by his sister, Christine Benith, as well as four grandchildren, Brendan, EllaRose, Quinn, and Ben, and several nieces.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Andrew and Bertine.

The memorial service will be held at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on August 3 from 5 to 7 pm. His family will be present to welcome loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family simply wishes that science, peace, and love triumph in this world.