Nathanial Garland Charles

Nathanial "Nate" Garland Charles, 58, of Arlington, MA, passed away on Monday, June 3, surrounded by his family. Nate was born in McKeesport, PA, and grew up in Seat Pleasant and Kettering, MD, where he graduated from Largo Senior High in 1983. He then moved to Cambridge, MA to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Class of 1987. He embraced the Northeast for all his adult life.
Nate was the beloved first child of the late Nathanial and LaVenia (nee Uzzle) Charles. He was the cherished brother of Yvonne Watkins (nee Charles) and Vincent Charles. He also leaves his brother-in-law Bruce Watkins; niece Cherrita Scott and her husband Durrell; niece Keisha Smith and her husband Kenny; and nephews James and Justin Watkins. He is also survived by grandnieces and nephews: Chase, Charlie, and Duke Scott, and Lincoln Smith and a host of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Nate excelled in academics - receiving the honor to represent his high school on the "It's Academic Show." He participated in the Math and Chess Teams throughout his high school years. He received a coveted NASA Internship at the Goddard Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. Nate received full scholarships to the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech, before deciding to enter the MIT Class of 1987. Nate spent his entire career as an employee at the MIT Sloan School, where he worked as a Network Systems Engineer.
As a child, much to the dismay of his younger siblings, Nate enjoyed reading and studying much more than playing outdoors, although he excelled at tennis and swimming. As an adult, Nate became an avid hiker.
In addition to his family members, Nate will also be missed by his close friend of many years, Alice Downing. Alice cared and watched out for him like a sister, along with her husband Paul, and their children, Jamie and Amanda. During his nearly four decades at MIT, Nate touched many people across MIT Sloan and the Institute.
To meet Nate was to like Nate. His quiet humor and ready smile were well-known, and his presence will be profoundly missed. He was adored not just by his colleagues, but also by their families. In his own quiet and gentle way, Nate changed the lives of many. He tutored his nephew and the children of many of his MIT Sloan School colleagues. Nate was the go-to person for many questions about networking, security, and advanced mathematics. He was also everyone's first choice for team trivia!
To keep the MIT dream within reach for so many talented students, please consider donating in Nate's name to the Office of Minority Education Scholarship and Special Project Fund. Use the link below:
https://giving.mit.edu/nathanial-charles
or send to:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
P. O. Box 412926 Boston, MA 02241-292
Indicate on check memo or cover note that the gift is in memory of Nathaniel Charles for the Minority Education Scholarship Fund (2491000)
We thank the dedicated Beth Israel Lahey Hospice nurses and staff for their exceptional care of our loved one. We also thank the Mount Auburn Hospital Oncology Infusion nurses and staff for their kindness and care during Nate's treatment. Nate was very appreciative of his care.
A memorial service will be held on the MIT campus on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 10:30 am. Nate, we will always carry you in our hearts.
Arrangements made by Boston Cremation.