Charles Eaton Hamilton III

Charles Eaton Hamilton III, known to family and friends as "Charlie," passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Keswick, VA, on October 12, 2024. He was 80 years old. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Charlie was a lifelong learner, dedicated attorney, and a true renaissance man. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Tulane University in 1966 and his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University School of Law in 1969, where he served on the editorial staff of the Tulane Law Review. Following graduation, Charlie embarked on a distinguished career in business and civil litigation. He co-founded his own law firm at the age of 38 where he practiced law for over four decades, notably serving as Chairman of the Section of Antitrust and Trade Regulation Law and the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Charlie's contributions extended well beyond his legal career. A passionate supporter of the arts, education, and science, he played a significant role in numerous nonprofit organizations. He served as President of the Louisiana Children's Museum and was a board member of the Louisiana Nature and Science Center, the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), and the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, where he also chaired the Artistic Advisory Committee. His commitment to community was reflected in his service as an elder at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Charlie's commitment also extended to the broader community as a member of the board of directors and chairman of the legal committee for the Media and Hospitality Committee of the Louisiana Host Committee, which facilitated the city's hosting of the 1988 Republican National Convention. After retiring in 2014, Charlie and his beloved wife of 51 years, Minia Bremenstul Hamilton, relocated to Keswick, Virginia. Retirement did not slow him down. He continued to share his expertise and passion for learning by teaching business law at Piedmont Virginia Community College and guest lecturing at the University of Virginia. A dedicated member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UVA, he also taught courses on astronomy, music, and the rule of law three of his many lifelong interests. While teaching at OLLI, Charlie also served as a member of the Board of Directors and chairman of its Faculty Committee. Charlie was also an accomplished amateur astronomer and artist, and he found great joy in sharing these hobbies with others throughout his life. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. He is survived by his wife, Minia, their three children: Kevin Hamilton and his spouse Erica Hirsch Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton Boler and her spouse Brendan Boler, and Carter Hamilton and his spouse Chrissie Ezzell Hamilton. He also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren, Amelia, Cooper, Minia, and Adeline Hamilton, and Bowen and Molly Boler. Charlie's legacy of intellectual curiosity, community service, and love for family will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Virginia (https://www.olliuva.org/support/).