Charles Vincent Baji

Charles Vincent Baji, (Aug 11, 1939-Dec 21, 2016), 77, passed away in Ft. Pierce, FL in the company of his family. Trusted Marshal of the Historic St. Lucie Village, Mr. Baji was a former U.S. Navy Flight Engineer and a commended law officer, who retired from the Tenafly, N.J. Police Department with the rank of Lieutenant and the position of Police Photographer. He was a hobbyist of ships with impossibly tiny parts, a carpenter, a fly fisherman who tied his own flies, a golfer, as well as an avid Master Gardener and Member of the Central Florida Rose Society. The blooms he grafted to Florida sands attracted busloads of Rosarians to the two homes he shared with his wife of 51 years, Barbara.

Born in Camden, N.J. to May Vitti and Alexander Baji, he lived in Bronx, N.Y and Tenafly N.J., where he raised his family, before retiring to St. Lucie Village and, later, Ft. Pierce. He served as sacramental outreach minister at the St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Ft. Pierce and as usher on Sundays. He was a dedicated 4th degree Knight of Columbus, Council 15429 and Assembly 169, as well as a member of Elks B.P.O.E. 1520, the P.B.A., and his local F.O.P. He cared deeply about families, communities, and civic responsibility.

A beloved husband, father, and grandfather he is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Baji, daughters Andrea Baji Padrick (Billy) and Karin Holms Edwards (Charles), sister MaryAnn Kruse (nephews Scott and David), and grandchildren Billy Padrick, Jr., Benjamin Padrick and Jake Padrick.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Anastasia Church, Ft Pierce, Boys Town, or Treasure Coast Hospice, St. Lucie.

Friends and family are welcome to gather for visitation on December 26, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00PM with a wake service at 6:00PM at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce, Florida. Service will be held on December 27, 2016 at 10:00AM at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Fort Pierce, Florida following the service.