Obituary of Charles Tesar

Charles "Charlie" Tesar, of Pompton Lakes, formerly of Midland Park, NJ peacefully passed away on June 13, 2021 at the age of 95. He is survived by his sons, Bill, David "Rave", Steven and Jim Tesar, daughter Ann Bufardeci, son-in-law Carmen Bufardeci, daughters-in-law Rita and Laurie Tesar, and 4 grandchildren: Lauren Turle and husband James, Zoe Tesar, Michael and Matthew Bufardeci. A career musician and beloved educator, Charles was an accomplished trumpeter, well established in the New York Metropolitan area, who studied under William Vacchiano, Principal for the New York Philharmonic. He received a bachelor's degree in music at NYU and a master's degree from Columbia University. Charles was a Marine veteran serving during WW II. For much of his professional life, he was music director at Fair Lawn High School and Benjamin Franklin School in Ridgewood, NJ. At each school, he spearheaded Jazz ensembles which he elevated to a professional level and in 1958 released one of the only LP recordings by a High School program known at that time, followed by two subsequent recordings in 1959 and 1960. After retiring from the Ridgewood School system, he remained active as a performer and private instructor. Many of his students became All State players and several were inspired to pursue musical or teaching careers themselves. Friends are welcome to attend the inurnment of his cremains at George Washington Cemetery Mausoleum in Paramus, on Thursday June 17, 2021 at 1:30 pm. Memorial donations may be made to: Benjamin Franklin Middle School Music Department, 335 N Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450