Charles Elmer Jacob

Dr. Charles E. Jacob, age 85, died suddenly on June 7th. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Chuck was the only child of Thelma and Charles H. Jacob. He attended the University of Michigan, earning both a B. A. and an M.A. there. After serving in the army, he attended Cornell University, where he earned a Ph.D. in political science. He taught at Vassar College from 1960 to 1967, and then at Rutgers University from 1967 until 1993. He published a book on governmental policy making and articles on both American and New Jersey political elections.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Gale, sons Andrew (Nona) and John (Lee) and two grandsons, Christopher and Jonathan. Another son, Charles W., predeceased him.
He was a long time member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Westfield and of the Scotch Plains YMCA, where he swam daily. A quiet man with a quick wit, he especially treasured family vacations. For Chuck, life was never better than sitting on an ocean side porch in Maine at the end of the day - sipping wine, reading the daily paper and sharing his cheese and crackers.
Dr. Jacob's Memorial Service will begin at 11AM Saturday June 11, 2016 at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 414 E. Broad St., Westfield. Burial will follow in The Garth at St. Paul's Church. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul's, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Gray Funeral Directors, Westfield. To leave on-line condolences please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com.