But after a housing market crash in the early 1990s, Mr. Tyson's business dissolved.
It wasn't long before he found another project. His love for the ocean and history led him to work on the restoration of the historic Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point, Atlantic County.
He and a business partner purchased Brownie's in Egg Harbor, restored it, and renamed it Chuck's Hideaway, Boyer said. They sold the restaurant shortly afterward.
In 1998, he acquired Seasons, a sports bar in Somers Point, which he renamed Caroline's by the Bay, after his daughter.
Around the same time, he restored the former Brass Rail in Barrington and renamed it Old Rail Tavern.
His last major project was the renovation of an Atlantic City Airport Circle bar in Egg Harbor, which he renamed Christi's Bar and Restaurant, as homage to former New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman.
Mr. Tyson, who lived in Linwood for a while, continued to be co-owner and manager of Caroline's and Christi's until he died, his ex-wife said.
An avid fisherman, Mr. Tyson loved going out on his boat in rough tide. He enjoyed traveling and would treat his employees to a vacation each year, Boyer said.
Mr. Tyson was born in Bryn Mawr and raised in Haddon Heights, where he attended Haddon Heights High School.
He married Mary Boyer in 1985. The couple divorced shortly afterward but remained good friends.
Mr. Tyson is survived by a daughter, Caroline Tyson; a son, Mackenzie Morris; and two sisters.
A service was held Friday, Aug. 20, at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home in Linwood.
Contact staff writer Claudia Vargas at 856-779-3917 or cvargas@phillynews.com.
