Cologero Joseph "Charles" Gelso

11/27/1941 - 10/07/2025

Cologero "Charles" Joseph Gelso was born on November 27, 1941 in Pittston, PA and passed away on October 7, 2025 at his home in Laurel, MD. His parents were Philip and Angeline Gelso, who both preceded him in death, along with his younger brother, Frank Gelso. Charlie is survived by his wife Donna Gozelanczyk; brother Philip Gelso (Cheryl Gelso); nephews Philip and Nicholas Gelso; adoring children Philip Gelso (Tanja Allen), Charles "Chuck" Gelso, Brett Gelso (Ingrid Gelso), Catherine Bayly (Bill Bayly), and Marie Gelso (Peter Grybauskas). Charlie was also a beloved grandfather to Charles "Chuckie" Gelso, Nicholas Gelso, Vincent Gelso, Daniel Gelso, Victoria Gelso, Eleanor Bayly, Camila Gelso, Josephine Bayly, Bruno Grybauskas, Flavia Grybauskas, and Enzo Gelso.
Charlie got his bachelor's degree from Bloomberg State College, his master's from Florida State University, and then his PhD from Ohio State University in 1970. Charlie first joined the University of Maryland as a staff psychologist at UMD's Counseling Center. He became a professor in the Department of Psychology at UMD in 1982 where he worked until becoming Professor Emeritus in 2013. Charlie truly loved his career as a practicing psychotherapist, author, and academic, where his prolific research and publications focused on the psychotherapeutic relationship.
Charlie was also a passionate fly fisherman, guide, and co-author of a comprehensive guide to Maryland trout fishing. Charlie developed many rich friendships "on the river." In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to the Potomac-Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to celebrate Charlie's life on December 14 at 1 p.m. at the University of Maryland's Riggs Alumni Center.