Charles Catterton

Our father, Charles Harold Catterton was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He was raised in Yale Heights by his parents Herbert William and Theresa Marie. He was the eldest of three boys, Charles, Martin Henry (Harry) and Herbert William Jr (Bill). As a child, dad enjoyed playing baseball and running around Cross Street Market in Federal Hill.

He graduated from Poly Technical High School in 1965. After graduation, Dad joined the US Navy. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed in Camp Pendleton and in Rhode Island. He served two tours in Vietnam. Although he was in the Navy, dad was never once on a ship. He was a Seabee and served most of his time alongside the US Marines. Dad often referred to this period of his life as “The time I was in the big one”.

After serving 6 years in the Navy, dad returned to Baltimore and became a Baltimore City Firefighter. Dad bravely fought many fires and saved lives. He loved the fire department. He retired in 2002 as a Lieutenant at Engine 47.

In 1976, dad went on a blind date with a cute little Italian girl named, RoseAnn. Dad asked for a second date that night. Dad proposed to RoseAnn a month after dating. They married on June 4th 1977. During their marriage,they raised three daughters, Christine Annette, Paula Renee and Deborah Marie. Dad and mom “adopted” their fourth daughter Aubrey.  He was very proud of each of his little girls.  Our age won’t make a difference, we will always be his little girls.

Although we are forever his little girls, Dad gave our hands in marriage. He had four sons-in-law, Matthew Malnati, Sean Doll, Ryan Donovan and Steve Galloway.  Dad can rest easy knowing his sons-in-law will take care of his daughters and grandchildren.

Dad and mom built a home that was filled with love and respect. Dad taught us to fight for our beliefs, to stand tall but most certainly, he taught us to be proud to be a Catterton.

Dad was promoted to the position of Pop, 7 times. His grandchildren, Madison, Isabelle, Charlotte, Nathan, Ainsley, Julia and Bennett will miss their grandfather. Pop was known to sing the “Itsy, Bitsy Spider” with the children while he sat them on the table in front of him.  While enjoying time with the grandchildren in the hot tub, he played “real music” for them all to enjoy.  He passed on his love of Motown music, cheesy jokes and bear hugs to each of his grandchildren.

He looked forward to beach vacations with his grandchildren each summer. Sitting on the balcony of the beach house, dad would watch his family enjoy the sun and sand. On the clear nights, he would enjoy a drink with his daughters and share stories of his time in the Navy, fires he fought and his incredible parents.

Dad raised us to believe in God, our creator.  He taught us that our actual home is in heaven with our maker. It is that belief that we will hold onto, in order to get us through this time without him.

Dad will be remembered by many who loved and cherished their time with him.

“Remember who loves you, kid.”

Family members and friends will gather in the Arbutus location from 4-7PM on Thursday. Due to recent events, we are only allowed up to 9 family members in the funeral home at a time. Please check in with the parking attendant when you arrive. We ask that everyone remain in their cars until invited to come into the funeral home. Funeral services for Charles will be private for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles's name to the Baltimore CIty Fire Foundation & Beautiful You MRKH Foundation.