Charles E. Offutt

Charles Ellwood Offutt II, of Baltimore, Maryland, died at home on October 13, 2026, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 85.

Known to friends and family as Charlie, he was born on April 16, 1941, in Baltimore to Nelson and Agnes Offutt. He grew up in Baltimore, attended Gilman School, and graduated from the University of Virginia.

He was intelligent, creative, and dogged in his professional pursuits. Charlie was a leader in the employee retirement and benefits industry, partnering in and establishing Yaffe & Offutt, Bolton & Offutt, and Oxford Associates, among other firms.

He was also actively involved in several nonprofits and civic organizations, including Catonsville Children's Home, Keswick Multi-Care Center, UVA Alumni Board, helping to found the Jefferson Scholarship Program, and, most recently, the Police Officers’ Employee Retirement Fund of the City of Naples, Florida. He was an enthusiastic supporter of local sports and was a leading member of the Orioles Designated Hitters’ Club under the ownership of Edward Bennett Williams.

Outside of work and well into retirement, Charlie was an avid golfer who enjoyed the challenge of the game as much as the friendships it brought. He was also a fiercely competitive duplicate bridge player in Baltimore and Naples.

He was known for his quick wit, candor, definite views on just about everything, and genuine interest in people. He embraced his life fully and loved to laugh and banter. While often the first to speak his mind, he was among the first to visit a sick friend or reach out to someone in need. He valued his friendships and maintained them throughout his life.

Charlie and Susan, his wife and best friend, recently celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage. They enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life together, surrounded by cherished old and new friends in Naples and Baltimore, interspersed with memorable travels both at home and abroad.

In addition to Susan, Charlie is survived by his children, Chas Offutt (Meghan Stewart) and Gardiner Lapham (Nick Lapham), and his grandchildren, Wesley, Georgie, Jack, Thomas, and Phoebe. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne Biggs and Barty Carr.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Offutt, and his eldest grandson, Henry Lapham.

A tribute to his life will be held on Saturday, October 31st, at Elkridge Club, 4-6 pm, with service at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a worthy charity.