Charles Lauer, of Southold, retired educator and WWII veteran, dies at 98

In a 50-year career in Long Island schools, Charles Lauer, a Southold resident, served as a teacher, administrator and schools superintendent.

Lauer died of natural causes Feb. 28 at 98.

He was Floral Park superintendent of schools when he retired in 1981, going on to serve as interim superintendent of schools for districts including Westhampton, Bayport/Blue Point, Wyandanch, Riverhead, Smithtown, Wainscott, and Sagaponack.

Friends and family remembered Lauer for his generosity. "He didn't waste any time at all giving to people, loving people and making an impact on their lives, including mine," said longtime friend Sue Kelly, of Jensen Beach, Florida.

Lauer was born on May 29, 1926, in Brooklyn. He grew up in Flatbush, graduating from Midwood High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Navy at 17 and was assigned to the USS Chicago.

"He proudly wore his WWII veteran's hat in public," said Lauer's friend David Kilbride, of Cutchogue. "People always walked up to him to thank him for his service and he graciously accepted their thanks and then would add a comment or two about how fortunate we all are to live in this country,"

After the war, Lauer attended Rutgers University and graduated in 1949, starting his career in education soon after.

"He loved teaching kids and taught history when he first started in education," said Lauer's daughter, Jennifer Beattie, of Manorville. "He loved American history, specifically the Civil War era."

"Education was very important to him and in our lives," said Lauer's son, Jim Lauer, of Sound Beach. "He afforded us every opportunity to do whatever we wanted in life."

Lauer met his late wife, Dorothy, on a blind date in college while the two were students at Rutgers University. They were married on June 24, 1950. The couple moved to Stony Brook and then Setauket before settling in Southold in 1987.

"He was a great father," his daughter said. "He worked a lot but he was a great provider, and he was very attentive to my mother when she got sick with cancer."

"He was the life of the party. He loved his birthday and felt it was a true celebration of life," Lauer's friend Kelly said. "He was a straight shooter and you would always get the truth from him no matter what. I'm going to miss him but we have so many memories to cherish."

Known for his impressive memory, Lauer would often recount stories from his time in the Navy.

"Charlie had all of his brainpower, and it was fascinating to talk with him and learn of his wisdom," Kilbride said. "He was an extraordinarily social guy. He had great instincts and observations, and I enjoyed knowing him because there are so few people of that generation."

Lauer enjoyed reading, golfing, fishing and collecting cameras. According to Beattie, Lauer led a modest lifestyle and donated his time to charity work.

"He was a very religious man who loved animals, and he was very generous with social causes," she said. "He volunteered at soup kitchens and was heavily involved in the church and various dog rescues. He loved dogs, especially springer spaniels."

Lauer's son added: "He would want to be known for his integrity and doing the right thing without reservation. ... Honesty and duty to his family, to his country, to his job."

In addition to his son and daughter, Lauer is survived by granddaughter Michele Lauer; grandson James Lauer; step-grandchildren Rob Beattie and Ryan Beattie; and step-great-granddaughter Isla. He was predeceased by his wife in 1992 and his sister, June Shea, of Setauket.

Lauer was buried at Southold Presbyterian Cemetery on March 7. A memorial service was held on March 8 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greenport. Donations were made to America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation, a nonprofit in St. James.