Charles Edward Wilson

In Loving Memory of 

Charles Edward Wilson

 May 23, 1926 – February 20, 2025

 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles Edward Wilson, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and a man of remarkable achievements. Born in Union City, New Jersey, to James Wilson and Mary Fischetti, Charlie lived a life defined by service, ingenuity, and a deep love for family and community.

 Charlie proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, holding the rank of Private First Class. His commitment to excellence continued  in his education, earning degrees in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson and UCLA after attending Harvard. His brilliant mind led him to groundbreaking work at Hughes Aircraft and Northrop, where he played a pivotal role in military and aviation advancements. Among his many accomplishments, he was the inventor of the smoke detector (patented in 1950) and a team leader on the guidance system for the first moon landing, Surveyor 1. His expertise extended to academia, where he was a technology instructor at both MIT and UCLA on special assignments.

 Beyond his professional achievements, Charlie was a pillar of his community. A dedicated coach for nearly five decades, he mentored countless young athletes in baseball and football—one of whom went on to become an NFL starting quarterback. He served as a high school booster club president, an advisor in city politics, and a six-year HOA board member. His passion for giving back also extended to the Police Activities League, where he positively impacted the lives of many young people.

 A lifelong athlete, Charlie continued playing softball until the age of 85, even competing in the Senior Softball World Championship five times. His love for the game was only rivaled by his love for his family. He shared 74 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marie Wilson. Together, they built a beautiful life with their children, Beverly Wilson and Charles Wilson Jr., their three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

 Charlie’s fun-loving spirit and good-natured humor were well known. He once won the Los Angeles Times “Ugliest Tie” contest—a family treasure to this day. As a young boy, he was a ring boy for heavyweight champion James Braddock and, in his youth, even ran numbers for a local gangster—a piece of history he recounted with a mischievous smile.

 The family extends their deepest gratitude to Kern County Honor Flight for recognizing Charlie’s service in World War II and for being a great friend to him and his loved ones.

 Charlie Wilson lived a full and extraordinary life, leaving a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and kindness. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.