Obituary: Msgr. Charles Wallich Gusmer, S.T.D. (1938-2021)

Msg. Charles Wallich Gusmer, S.T.D. died peacefully at his residence at Juniper Village Assisted Living Facility in New Providence, N.J. on March 24, 2021.

Fr. Charlie, as he was known to family, friends, and parishioners, was born in Orange, N.J. on Oct. 11, 1938 to Henry and Hildegarde (Wallich) Gusmer. He was raised in Summit, N.J. and attended St. Teresa’s Parish School and graduated from Summit High School. Influenced by his mother’s love of music, he became an accomplished violinist. Charlie participated in the New Jersey All State Orchestra.

Fr. Charlie attended College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. In his third year, he studied abroad at the Institute of European Studies in Vienna. He completed his undergraduate degree at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

Upon recognizing a calling from God to pursue a vocation in the priesthood, Fr. Charlie entered the Immaculate Conception Seminary in 1960. He further studied theology at the Canisianum, an international seminary at the University of Innsbruck, beginning on Oct. 11, 1962, which coincided with not only the opening of the Second Vatican Council in Rome, but also his 24th birthday. He was ordained a priest on March 26, 1966 in Innsbruck.

After one year as an associate pastor at St. Mary’s, Our Lady Help of Christians, in West New York, Fr. Charlie returned to the Immaculate Conception Seminary. In his 22 years as a faculty member there, he taught Sacramental Theology and Liturgy. He furthered his own studies at the University of Trier in West Germany, earning his doctorate in 1970.

Fr. Charlie shared his love of teaching through his many presentations at diocesan workshops, and through serving on numerous summer faculties, including St. Michael’s in Vermont, St. John’s in Maryland, Notre Dame in Indiana, and University of Santa Clara in California. His wealth of knowledge in liturgy and sacraments had lasting impacts on the many seminarians he taught during his tenure, culminating in the publication of two books: Wholesome Worship and And You Visited Me: Sacramental Ministry to the Sick.

In addition to teaching and writing, Fr. Charlie served as Chair of the Archdiocese of Newark Worship Commission, as advisor to the United States Bishop’s Committee on the Liturgy, and as president of the North American Academy of Liturgy.

In 1979, he presented a paper at the International Roman Catholic Pentecostal Dialogue in Rome. His reception in a papal audience by Pope John Paul II was an especially memorable moment for Fr. Charlie.

With the inspiration to deepen people’s spirituality, Fr. Charlie answered a further calling from God into pastoral ministry. In December of 1990, he was named pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Cedar Grove, N.J. His care and compassion for parishioners was evident in his serving of over 2,300 families and 40 ministries. During his tenure, he led a restoration campaign to accommodate the needs of the growing community; he took pride in the parish’s commitment to extend accessibility with the installation of an elevator. He simultaneously served as the Episcopal Vicar for West Essex County.

On Dec. 8, 1997, Fr. Charlie was named Monsignor during a ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J. Though grateful for this honorable title, he humbly preferred to still be known as Fr. Charlie.

Upon his retirement from St. Catherine of Siena in February 2009, Fr. Charlie served as Priest in Residence at Our Lady of Peace in New Providence, N.J. He continued his pastoral duties until June 2018.

In 2013, Fr. Charlie became a Seton Associate of the Sisters of Charity, supporting the community of sisters and lay people dedicated to serving those in need through their selfless works.

Fr. Charlie enjoyed traveling, revisiting his favorite European cities and making trips to Denmark to connect with relatives on his father’s side. He also relished family gatherings in Florida, California, Cape Cod, and the Jersey Shore. He enjoyed respite and retreat at his home in Belvedere, N.J.

Fr. Charlie continued to play his violin, entertaining family and friends with his talent at holidays, weddings, and special events. He was an avid reader, known to keep spiritual, best-selling, and World War II books circulating on his bedside table. He shared his love of reading with friends and residents at Juniper Village.

Fr. Charlie will be remembered for his deep faith, devotion to God, jovial personality, and incredibly warm smile. Fr. Charlie, or “Uncle Chuck,” as his nieces and nephews referred to him, are forever grateful for his spiritual guidance and steadfast support as a “fatherly” figure in their lives. They know so many received this same love and compassion from their beloved Uncle Chuck.

Fr. Charlie is survived by his brother, John, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, and partner, Sue; brother, Bill, of Santa Rosa, Calif., and wife, Hope; 8 nieces and nephews; and 19 grand nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friend and faith partner, Sr. Maureen Corcoran, S.C. The family is grateful for the deep friendship of the Schneider Family, especially Melinda Schneider Carney, who provided enduring care, assistance, and compassion in his final years in New Providence.