Charles “Charlie” Joseph Potthast, 91, of Charlotte Hall, MD, passed away on February 2, 2026. He was born in Baltimore, MD, on May 31, 1934, to the late Charles and Amelia Potthast.
For two years after high school, Charlie served in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged in 1954. His dedication and commitment to his country were evident in every aspect of his career. After his time in the military, he got into the insurance industry. He was a hardworking, dedicated insurance agent and was well respected within the industry
In 1957, he met his beloved wife Irene Toler Potthast, and they wed in 1959. They had four children together: John Potthast (Brooke) of Arlington, VA, Joseph Potthast (Pamela) of Port Tobacco, MD, Susan Buckler of La Plata, MD, and Charles (Chuck) Potthast, who predeceased his father. Irene passed away in 2010. Charles remarried in 2013 to Mary Monteleone Potthast.
Charlie loved playing golf, attending Bible study, and cherishing moments with his family. He was a man of deep faith in God and a member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of Bryantown, MD.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Irene, son Chuck, brother James Potthast, and sister Jeanne Potthast. He is survived by his second wife, Mary, stepdaughter Melissa Oakley (Hal), brother Thomas Potthast (Mary Lou) of FL, children, twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.
On Friday, February 27, 2026, the family will receive friends for the visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with Mass beginning at 11:00 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 13715 Notre Dame Pl, Bryantown, MD 20617. Interment will follow after Mass in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Central Union Mission, 65 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.missiondc.org.
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Charles “Charlie” Joseph Potthast, please click here to visit our sympathy store.