Charles Daniel Stutzman

Charles Daniel Stutzman, MD, 77, passed away peacefully, held in the arms of his wife, Saturday August 9, 2025, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From a humble working-class family, his mother a homemaker and father a house painter, Charles was born October 3,1947 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Preceded in death by his parents Mary Louise (Ream) and Charles William Stutzman as well as his sister, Cynthia. He is survived by his loving wife, Marygrace Orff, stepdaughter Jenny Lawson-Toulouse (Jeremy), their sons Harrison, Hayden, Cullen and Christian Toulouse, stepdaughter Kelly Lawson and her sons Isaiah and Caleb Chilton.

Throughout childhood Charles developed a passion for reading, learning, and education that drove him his entire life. He graduated from The University of Pittsburgh in 1969 with undergraduate degrees in mathematics and physics, followed by a master’s degree in physics and master’s degree of science in hygiene. Charles received his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1978. He achieved a master’s degree in public health in 1980 from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. He served as Lieutenant Commander in the United States Public Health Service for 6 years, assigned to the Center for Disease Control, Epidemic Intelligence Service in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1985, Charles was Board Certified by The American Board of Preventive Medicine in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine. He then completed a residency in Radiation Oncology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1987. He soon relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, became Board Certified in Radiation Oncology, where he continued practicing medicine as a Radiation Oncologist. Charles treated thousands of cancer patients throughout New Mexico and Colorado, retiring in 2015.

Charles’ work ethic was grounded in his family upbringing. During his college years he worked in the steel mills of Pennsylvania, learning the meaning of hard work and dedication. Despite his many accolades and achievements, Charles remained a simple man, rooted in his blue-collar upbringing. He favored, sometimes to his wife’s chagrin, well-worn blue jeans and T-shirts to pressed slacks and overcoats, opting to wear a tie only if he absolutely had to. A homebody, he preferred to spend hours reading, fixing things around the house, a good beer and good company. He immensely appreciated and enjoyed years as a sailboat captain, and skiing with his cousins and close friends. He appreciated most the love of his family with Marygrace, her daughters and grandsons. The loss to his family, especially Marygrace, is profound. He is and will be missed beyond measure.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Presbyterian Hospice, especially Victoria, RN, Michelle, RN and Tanya, RN. They are angels here on earth.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday August 29, 2025, at 9:00am, at Saint Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Josephs Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Reception to follow in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Charles Stutzman to Saint Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, address as above.