Marvin Charen

In Loving Memory of Marvin Charen

Marvin Charen, born on October 10, 1929 in Newark, NJ to Joseph Charen and Ethel Charen, departed this world on Friday October 20, 2023. He was a remarkable individual whose legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.

Marvin’s journey began in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Weequahic High School, where he cultivated lifelong friendships. He later pursued higher education at Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1953. A military veteran who served in Germany, Marvin returned to the States and in 1959, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his first Pharmacy in Kendall Park, NJ, which marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. Over the next five decades, he extended his business ventures, owning and operating five additional Pharmacies in Mattawan, Princeton, New Brunswick, Plainsboro, and South Brunswick, New Jersey. His dedication to the pharmacy profession was unwavering, continuing to work well into his 80s.

Marvin was not only a successful businessman but a pillar of his community. Marvin’s altruistic spirit shone through with his annual organization of the South Brunswick blood drives. He also found meaning and camaraderie in the Masons and took pride in being a founding member of the Princeton Jewish Center.

Marvin is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Sylvia Ann “Goodsie” Charen, and their daughter, Susan Charen. He is survived by his sister Barbara Charen Rosen and by his loving sons, Jeffrey Charen, his wife Randi, and their two children, Daniel and Alexandra, his son Michael Charen, his wife Pam, and their three daughters, Ashley Ziff, her husband Elan Ziff, Ali Brewster and her husband Jeremy Brewster, and Rachel Sieg and her husband Fritz Sieg, and by his son Andrew Charen, his wife Debbie, and their three children, Jake, Emily, and Rebecca. Marvin’s family also includes two great-grandsons, Grady Brewster and Shai Ziff.

His dedication to his family, community, and profession will forever be cherished and remembered. 

In honor of Marvin Charen’s life, donations may be made in his name to Magen David Adom (afmda.org)