I remember Charlie from the Barnard School for Boys where I was a year behind him. I remember him as a good guy. My condolences.

It is with great sadness, and with a very full heart, that we remember Charles Borrok, a man who played a major role in my life and helped shape the person I am today.

Charles may not have been my biological father, or legally my stepfather, but at different points in my life, he filled the role of a father. He guided me, challenged me, supported me, and helped me become the person, husband, father, and professional I am today.

Charles was a remarkable man. He was intelligent, accomplished, generous, principled, and deeply influential to so many people who were fortunate enough to know him. His impact extended far beyond business. It reached into family, friendship, mentorship, and the lives of the many people he helped guide along the way.

Professionally, as we have already heard, Charles built an extraordinary career as a highly successful commercial real estate broker at Cushman & Wakefield. He had a sharp mind, a strong presence, and a natural ability to understand people, transactions, timing, and the importance of doing things the right way.

Granted, Charles could be tough at times. He could be direct. He could cut right to the chase. But that was part of who he was. He wanted things done well, he wanted things done properly, and he understood what it took to get deals done.

Those who worked with Charles knew he was more than a broker. He was a mentor, a teacher, and an example of professionalism, discipline, judgment, and class. I was very fortunate to work with Charles for five years after graduating college. He was tough on me. He held me accountable. But more importantly, he educated me, guided me, and helped me grow.

But for me, Charles was much more than a successful businessman or my boss.

Charles came into my life through his relationship with my mother, but his care and influence did not stop there, even after they separated. He treated me like a son, and that bond became one of the most meaningful relationships of my life.

Though we were not bound by blood, the connection Charles created with me, and later with my wife and children, was real, lasting, and deeply meaningful. He reminded me that family is not only defined by blood or titles, but often proven through love, loyalty, and action.

Charles taught me lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life. He taught me how to handle difficult situations with dignity. He taught me how to conduct myself in business. He taught me how to treat people properly, how to listen, how to carry myself, and how to understand that character matters.

He had a way of teaching without lecturing, guiding without demanding, and making the people around him feel seen, valued, and capable.

Charles was also a loving father to Andrew. I saw that love from the time I first moved in with Charles and my mom in Rye, when I was 16. Over the years, I heard it and saw it in the way he spoke about Andrew, and later about Andrew´s four children.

Even in my last call with Charles, he told me how proud he was of what Andrew´s kids were accomplishing in school and in their extracurricular activities. His pride in them was clear. His love for his family was real.

As with all meaningful family relationships, love is shown in many different ways and over many different seasons of life. Charles showed his love through support, guidance, generosity, and by trying to open doors and provide opportunities in the ways he knew how.

His generosity to Andrew, and to so many others whose lives he touched, was a reflection of his character and of the deep love he carried for the people he wanted to help.

Like many important relationships, ours had different chapters. There were times of closeness, times of distance because of circumstances, and thankfully, a period of reconnection.

When Charles and I found our way back to each other, he showed warmth, humility, and love. We rebuilt our relationship, and I will always be grateful for that. I am grateful for the conversations we shared, the time we had, and the opportunity to tell him what he meant to me.

I am also grateful that my children had the opportunity to know him and have him be part of their lives. I am grateful to Charles for that, and for so much more.

One of the most important lessons Charles taught me was forgiveness. Holding on to anger and grudges really only hurts oneself. That may be one of the greatest life lessons he gave me.

I have to admit, I am still working through forgiving certain people and certain hurts from the past. But I do believe Charles would not want me, or anyone here today, to hold on to anger or resentment. He would want us to move forward with love, with perspective, and with peace.

Charles was also incredibly special to my children, Charlotte, London, and Dashiell, who unfortunately could not be here today. He treated them with kindness, pride, and affection, and they knew him as a grandfather-like presence in their lives.

He would call to check in on them, ask how they were doing, and celebrate important moments, including some of their birthdays.

A few months ago, my daughters and I visited Charles while he was in the hospital. I will always remember how he lit up when he saw the girls, and how we sat there with him while they updated him on their lives. It was a beautiful moment, and one I will carry with me always.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of achievement, wisdom, strength, generosity, and resilience. But for those of us who loved him, his true legacy is even more personal. It is found in the lessons he taught, the confidence he gave, the example he set, and the love he shared with others.

Like everyone here today, I will miss him deeply. I will respect him always. And I will carry him with me for the rest of my life. He will never be forgotten.

May his memory be a blessing. May he rest in peace, surrounded by loved ones who went before him, and may he look down today knowing the positive impact he leaves behind.

With much love and appreciation, Charles, you will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace. Justin