Charles Martin Huebner
August 9, 1954 – June 28, 2025
Charles Martin Huebner died at home on June 28, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by his family at Beechtree Farm in Hopewell, New Jersey, following a courageous journey with metastatic prostate cancer.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, on August 9, 1954, Charlie grew up in Cupsaw Lake—an idyllic childhood surrounded by woods, water, and adventure. The son of Stephen and Louise Huebner, Charlie inherited his father’s work ethic and craftsmanship, traits he shared with his two brothers. He graduated from Lakeland High School in Wanaque, NJ, in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University in 1976, where he also rowed on the crew team.
After a brief time in Pittsburgh, he returned to New Jersey to found The Door Center in Rocky Hill, a thriving door and window contracting business that reflected his skills as a builder, craftsman, and businessman. Charlie, an enthusiastic and imaginative entrepreneur, was also active in developing and managing diverse real estate holdings throughout his career. In 1983, he photographed and published the Doorways of Princeton poster, launching his second business, Door Center Publishing. This multi-image poster series grew to include many iconic posters including doorways from Charleston, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and San Francisco—combining his love of doors, photography and travel.
Charlie married Lucia Stout in January 1987. Together, they built their home and life at Beechtree Farm in Hopewell, where they raised grass fed beef cattle, sheep, horses and their two children, Kate and Gus. Charlie and Lucia were activists in regenerative livestock farming, passing on this love of animals to their children. Kate, a veterinarian, and Gus, an engineer, live nearby in New Jersey with their families.
Charlie was an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner, completing 16 marathons over his lifetime. He was a lifelong rower and a member of the Mercer Bucks Running Club. He was also an avid numismatist, a saxophone player, soap maker, horseback rider, and enthusiast of scrap metal and recycling. He had a natural talent for working with young people—coaching basketball, serving as an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, and mentoring aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs.
A man of intellectual curiosity, Charlie was an avid reader, athlete, a gifted mason, and admired by many for his entrepreneurial spirit, his energy and persistence. Above all, he was a steadfast, loving family man.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lucia Stout Huebner; his daughter, Kate Huebner, and son, Gus Huebner; their respective spouses, Benjamin Golas and Magdalena Saramak; and grandchildren, Taegan Golas, Natalie Huebner, Sabrina Golas, and Heidi Huebner. He is also survived by his brothers Stephen Huebner and Jeffrey Huebner, their wives Bonnie and Judy Huebner, and many extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held on October 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ, with a reception to follow at the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s honor to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ): https://nofanj.org.
Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Charles-Huebner
I wish that I had known him!
Charlie was a “member” of the Pennington family, my father ran with him and they enjoyed chatting about business and finance, and my father called Charlie his second son. Charlie and Lucia and their family were frequently at our house and we were frequently at theirs. All of us, Amy, Ella and Randy, Beth and Carvel, and I miss Charlie and will do our best to love and support Lucia and their kids and grandkids.
I am so sorry that Charlie had to leave us so early. He was such a talented man and loving spouse, father and friend. He will be so missed and remembered forever with love. 💕
My sincere condolences to his wonderful family and all who mourn him.🌹💐
Thank you for always making me chamomile tea with honey on the rim when I couldn’t sleep dad! I will never forget our 5 am trips to the YMCA to go swimming before school followed by a blueberry muffin and coffee from small world coffee. I’ll always cherish our bike trek adventure through the Netherlands.., and when you lost your passport so we had to backtrack across the country only to find it in the bike rental registry book. You were clearly on the way to also being the best grandfather in addition to best father. We love you and miss you with all our hearts.
Extremely saddened to hear this news. Charlie, clearly an iconic man, may he rest in peace and may his memory be a constant source of love, pride and comfort for his family and all who knew him. May God bless.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Lucia and family upon the passing of their beloved Charlie. Jim met Charlie through the Mercer Bucks Running Club where they shared a love of running and racing. Aurelle met Charlie through Jim around 1989—and also Lucia—at one of their Beechtree Farm parties. With love, Charlie continuously worked with his inventive nature to develop the farm’s many facets. Visiting there has always been a treat! Charlie has been a giving person whether it be as a father/grandfather (noticed via photos, Lucia), a discount-giver when purchasing their meat or soap, or whatever. One of Aurelle’s last memories of him was when he cut off a beautifully blossoming shrub branch to give to Jim and her. Beechtree Farm is amazing and continues to thrive even with Charlie’s passing. We will always remember Charlie with love. Aurelle & Jim
Our Artists at the Station group have heard wonderful stories about Charlie, and though we haven’t all met him, I appreciated all he offered to the community. Charlie (and Lucia) gave us giant pickle jars to decorate for my daughter’s baby shower, each holding a bouquet of baby’s breath and a mini teddy bear. I’m sure that gave him a smile. To hear of his inventive spirit and love for life is truly wonderful. We love and support Lucia, and offer our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Charlie.
This is a terrible loss for so many. Charlie was beloved in his many different communities and especially over many generations in our own family.
He always had a smile and a kind word, and lived to share his many passions with others. What an outstanding person he was, rightfully adored by so many.
Thoughts are with you. Sounded like such a lovely man. Much love to you and yours x