Charles "Gary" Verwilt, 79, late of Tinton Falls, NJ, formerly of Highlands, Fair Haven,

Middletown, Shrewsbury, and Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday

evening, August 4, 2025, at his temporary residence in Eatontown, NJ.

Born on March 2, 1046, Gary was the son of the late Albert and Vivian Verwilt. He grew

up in Highlands, NJ, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore, spending his

early years enjoying boats, fishing, and duck hunting—activities that shaped his lifelong

love of the outdoors.

Gary graduated from Henry Hudson Regional High School in 1964 and went on to fulfill

his dream of serving in the United States Navy. A Navy veteran, Gary served on both

active and reserve duty from 1963 through 1971. His military service included roles as

an aircraft mechanic, Flight Crew Plane Captain, Flight Engineer, and Flight Crew

Evaluator aboard a Navy R5D aircraft. This service laid the foundation for his lifelong

dedication to discipline, teamwork, and service.

Following his time in the Navy, Gary earned a B.A. in Education from Newark State

College (now Kean University) in 1971. He later received his Master’s Degree in

Administration and Supervision from Kean College of New Jersey in 1976.

He taught in the Fair Haven, NJ, School District at the former Willow Street School, now

Sickles School and Knollwood Schools, eventually becoming best known for his

engaging and enthusiastic instruction in middle school math and science. Gary was

especially passionate about experiential education, and his work with the Stokes State

Forest student program left a lasting impression on generations of students. Over his

31-year career in Fair Haven, he earned nicknames like "The Whip" and "Super V," a

testament to his memorable personality and impact in the classroom.

Gary was deeply involved in his community. He joined the Fair Haven Fire Department

in 1979, later co-chairing the town fair for a decade. In the early 1980s, he was elected

to the Fair Haven Town Council, where he also served as Fire Commissioner. He

worked at Long John’s restaurant in Highlands, was certified in income tax

preparation—offering help mostly to friends and family—and began a successful real

estate career in 1984 with McGowan Ryan Agency in Red Bank. Upon moving to

Shrewsbury, Gary also served in the Shrewsbury Fire Department.

After retiring from teaching in 2002, Gary relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where he

continued his real estate career as a licensed agent and broker. He remained actively

involved in civic life, serving on numerous committees and boards. Gary was a 2011

Director of the National Association of REALTORS, a 2012 Director for the Florida

Association of REALTORS, and served as the 2012 Past President of the REALTOR

Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, Inc., following his presidency in 2011.

Throughout his real estate career, Gary earned several professional certifications, further demonstrating his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He concluded

his successful real estate career working with J. Jones & Co Realty, where he was

respected for his professionalism, mentorship, and dedication to the industry.

Never one to sit still, Gary continued his passion for service and boats by becoming a

member of Flotilla 9-10, Ft. Myers/Cape Coral of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He

achieved multiple qualifications, including Boat Crew Member, Vessel Examiner, ATON

(Aid to Navigation) Verifier and Flotilla Staff Officer. He proudly served his community

by patrolling local waters and supporting maritime safety efforts.

Gary will be remembered for his love of education, service to his community, and

unrelenting work ethic. His impact was felt in every classroom he taught, every

organization he joined, and every friendship he nurtured.

Gary passed peacefully after a long battle with Dementia.  He is pre-deceased by his

sister Lorelei and his parents, Albert and Vivian.  He is survived by his daughters

Samantha Verwilt and Jessica Cardoza and their families including five grandchildren

(Kevin and Tyler Terhune, and Douglas, Nicholas, and Meghan Cardoza) and two great

grandchildren; his niece Allison McGoughran and her family including two nephews and

a niece, three great nephews and two great nieces; his sister's grandchildren including

two nieces and two nephews, two great nieces and a great nephew and his former wife

and lifelong friend Susan Wikoff.   He leaves behind a legacy of public service and

commitment to making the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bright Focus Foundation,

Alzheimer's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 as

a memorial in his name.  Please see the link below:

https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/donate?&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_

campaign=fy26-evergreen-

adr&utm_content=ca&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19903695002&gbraid=0AAAAADo

ADcFmaX44wYkCwW4XTTf9jTzRR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi47b0q_2jgMVhEH_AR3_SjZBEAAY

ASAAEgJukPD_BwE