Charles Richard Rohde, better known as “Charlie”, passed peacefully from this life into eternity on March 19, 2022. He had been under the loving care of his daughter and her husband in CA, as well as hospice, for his last four months and his son and his wife in Port Republic, MD, for six years prior. Charles was born to Hyman B (immigrated from Russia at the age of 16) and Lenora (Stitch) Rohde on December 27, 1923, and raised in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He was the third of six children. He attended and graduated from Greenfield High School, spent a short stint working on military weapons in a local armory, and was soon after drafted to serve in our Second World War with the US Army.

He served in the Company #111 Medium Maintenance Ordnance from Greenfield, MA as support for the front-line troops, maintaining and repairing the military vehicles. Following behind the infantry by about four or so miles, his company landed on the coast of Normandy, France just one week post D-Day, June 13, 1944, where they continued to press forward, surviving the greatest American battle of the war, the infamous Battle of the Bulge, in West Europe. Dad had told us that he truly had no idea how close he was to being annihilated by the Germans during this major battle of victory. He returned home in late 1945 having earned four battle stars.

Upon his return to home, he was able to attend college on the GI Bill, majoring in mechanical engineering while studying at the City College of New York. Shortly after graduation, he landed a job with the Navy Department in Washington, DC, so began his 35-year career in the field of engineering. It was here that he met the woman who would eventually become his wife of over 62 years, the late Lois Richards Rohde.

Charles and Lois made their home in Silver Spring, MD for over 55 years, raised 6 children, and enjoyed times spent with their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charles’ passions included working with numbers, puzzles, and gardening. He also enjoyed creating new inventions with the hopes of patenting. Though none ever got to that point, many of his creations can still be found in use in his children’s homes. After retirement, Charles found a second career, though part-time. He taught math and algebra courses at Prince Georges Community College, Montgomery College and Howard Community College.

Charles is survived by his children Irene Niemeyer and husband Sydney, Shirley Flowers and husband Whit, Laura Hunter and husband Tim, Jackie Koutsoukos and husband Tony, Tim Rohde, Sr. and wife Sheila; 19 grandchildren and spouses, Gina Drusda, Matthew “Budge” Barclay and wife Katie, Chris Dero and wife Yoshi, Paul Long and wife Renee, Melanie Englehardt and husband Tim, Bonnie Newton and husband Merle, Tommy Niemeyer, Julie Niemeyer, Brooke Souders and husband Shaun, Kristin Welsh and husband Josh, Sarah Badley and husband Luke, Rachel Robinson and husband Zach, Hannah Hunter, Rebekah Zimmerman and husband McGuire, Leah Hunter, Stefanos Koutsoukos, Kelsey Koutsoukos, Tim Rohde, Jr. and Meggie Pollins, Jen Crupi and husband Brian; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jimmy Rohde and Harry Rohde and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife Lois, Charles was preceded in death by two brothers, Elliot Rohde and Gerry Rohde, one sister, Edie (Rohde) Lester and one daughter, Rosemarie Niemeyer.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any donations made to be given to the American Cancer Society in honor of Charles. There are three ways in which to do this: Online at cancer.org, by mail at PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or by calling 1-800-227-2345. Please mention Charles’ name, and if you wish, include your address so that a word of gratitude can be acknowledged.