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Charles Beard Obituary
Charles Abbot Beard III
Charles Abbot Beard, III died at his home in Kensington, MD on Thursday, April 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his extraordinary wife, Kathleen Clifford Beard. He was a long-time resident of Kensington, and an engaged member of his beloved community.
He was born on July 22, 1940, in Washington, DC, son of Charles Abbot Beard, Jr. and Eleanora Dent Beard. He grew up in Rockville, Maryland graduating from Gonzaga College High School and Georgetown University. He served in the Army and the Army Reserves and spent some time in the seminary. After teaching at his high school alma mater, he dedicated his life and career to the service of others working for Montgomery County, serving various roles at the Department of Recreation.
He is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer (Erik) Smulson and Stacey (Steven) Radke, sister, Cecilia Beard Gallagher (Walter Neal) of Illinois and his loving partner Simin Biria. He was a grandfather to Julia, Hannah, Kathleen, Elijah, and Eleanora. His will be missed by his family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be announced. For messages to the family, please contact: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Beard
Russ Winstead
July 17, 2025
Chuck has been one of those special people we are sometimes blessed with. I´ve known him as long as I can remember. I grew up a couple of blocks away and I always had the greatest relationship with him. From the time as a kid, to becoming an adult and more recently an older adult. A kind man with a great heart! We had lost regular touch over the years as I had moved to Florida, raised a family and life. But whenever I was in town, I´d stop by like I always did before just to talk and catch up on things. He was a real friend and I can remember the many talks over the years, taking his girls to the movies when they were young and the challenges we go through. I will miss you brother. Until we meet again!
Ron Diamond
April 19, 2024
The loss of Chuck, Chick to those of us that grew up together, is just as painful now as when he left the Earthly bounds and joined Kathleen, Sis his mother and Charlie his dad. He was a great friend, a loving father, grandfather and brother to Cecelia. He was always very loving to both Chris and me and for that I am eternally grateful. Rest in peace my dear cousin and know you were appreciated and so loved.
Myra Coffield
July 9, 2023
I am so saddened to hear this news. Chuck has been a long time family friend of the Coffield family - working closely with my aunt Gwen and my mother Charlotte and members of our neighboring community. I have memories of Chuck from when I was in elementary school! As an adult we shared a running joke about my car. He believed that I was a slacker when it came to car maintenance (he was right). Whenever my car broke down and he found out about it, I would get a lecture. When the car was doing great, I would send him pics of the dashboard, engine etc. He was never convinced. :-) Recently, Chuck provided a lot of emotional support to me as I navigated becoming the caregiver to my mother. I am so grateful for his support and impact on my life. I will miss him dearly and think of him often - especially when keeping my gas tank always full (especially in winter!), changing my oil, and rotating my tires. Much love to you and prayers to your family from Perry and me.
Judy Pflueger
May 22, 2023
I have known Chuck for about 13 years through my work. We developed a friendship and had a lot of personal conversations. I will never forget him nor the support he gave me. I will miss him greatly
Cathy (Dorsey) Matthews
May 2, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss and hope that good memories will bring some comfort to the family. I´ll always remember Chuck as my mentor who was instrumental in helping to shape my career. He was also a friend who always greeted me with a smile, a hug and twinkling eyes. He started a program that helped youths on the street, and he provided input for establishing the Ellington School for the Arts. He did so much for the community and I´m blessed to have known him.
Travis Aldous
May 1, 2023
a great guy who was a family friend & a co worker. Wonderful man who mentored many like me. I last saw him at my mom's birthday party a few years back. When i worked with him in the late 1980;s- we called him Don Johnson , beause he never wore socks. RIP my friend, you were a good soul & a great friend
Ron Diamond
April 30, 2023
A great loss to Jennifer, Stacey and their families. Chuck was my second cousin and we grew up together on Upton Street in Rockville. Chris and I were very fond of both Kathleen and Chuck and his parents. We were not only family but lived on the same street in small Town Rockville back in the late 40's and early 50's.
I am filled with sadness and loss for such a wonderful man, a friend more over my cousin.
Rest in peace sir and now you and Kathleen are in eternal rest together.
Gerald Farquhar
April 29, 2023
Mr. Beard was one of my favorite teachers while I was at Gonzaga. He always displayed interest, compassion, humor and knowledge while being in charge of 4A.
Sorry for your loss
Gerald Farquhar 67'
Cedar Island, NC
sara harris
April 26, 2023
A fine man...nurturing, thoughtful, respectful, engaging with humor, with a deep sense of caring...much appreciated.
Jim Adler
April 25, 2023
I had a great high school life with Chick Beard at Gonzaga. 1954 to 1958 We both went on To Georgetown! Chuck was always open Happy. And a good friend. Later in life we both lived close to each other in Kensington Md We had our families there. If you are related call me to talk about Chuck! J Jim Adler 434989-3261
suzanne c. hill
April 25, 2023
My classmate at Saint Angela Hall in the 4th grade and later, my neighbor and friend, two streets away, in Kensington. A great guy. Suzanne Dallas Hill
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