Richard A. Charlton First V.P. of Investments Richard A. Charlton 72 died Thursday (Dec.23, 2004) at the Somerset Medical Center. Born in Staten Island, N.Y., he formerly resided in Scotch Plains before moving to Neshanic Station 32 years ago. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. Mr. Charlton was the first Vice President of Investments and an Assistant Branch Manager for Wachovia Securities and provided Investment counseling to clients for the past 44 years. He taught investments in adult classes in the Somerville School System. Richard was a member of the Raritan Valley Country Club. For 20 years, area residents would visit his Whiton Road residence to see "Live Nativity Scene" which he created, designed and set up during the Christmas holiday season. He instilled in his children the fact that the Holiday of Christmas was not only about receiving gifts, but the importance of celebrating the true significance of Christmas. Surviving are his loving wife of 30 months Marjorie Deas Charlton, his dear children Lucy Tayane and husband Moula of Denver, CO, Richard, Jr. of Hillsborough, Mark and wife Bettina of Maryland, Danny and wife Angelique of Indonesia, Steve of High Bridge, John Charlton and Grace Martinez of Denver, CO, his devoted daughter-in-law Marie Charlton of Montgomery, devoted grandfather of Richard III, Matthew, Alexandra, Zacharia, Johnny and Elizabeth, his fond sister Roberta Smith of Scotch Plains and a brother William J. and wife Barbara of New York, NY, several step-children, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Tuesday at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Highway 202 South, Branchburg, NJ. Committal will follow in the St. Bernard's Cemetery, Bridgewater. Visitation hours are Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name benefiting medical research.