Charles "Chuck" Frederick Castellaw Jr., 95, of Arnold, Maryland, peacefully passed away in his home on March 24th, 2024. Chuck was born on December 18th, 1928, to E. Grace LaBonte and Charles F. Castellaw Sr. in Baltimore City, Maryland. Chuck attended and graduated from Catonsville High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in June 1948, and served for 40 years until he retired in December 1988. He believed it to be a meaningful honor and took great pride in being part of the Navy and serving throughout his lifetime. While in the Reserves, Chuck moved from Sonarman Third Class to Sonarman Chief, Sonar Supervisor, and leading petty officer on the USS Steinaker, a Gearing Class destroyer. Finally, he retired as Master Chief Sonar Technician (ASW). Chuck received glowing marks and commendations from his superior officers throughout his time in the Navy Reserves. He served on many ships, including the USS Heminger, the USS Coolbaugh, and the USS Steinaker. During his time in the Navy Reserves, he attended many US Navy schools to advance his knowledge, hone his craft, and advance his skillset all over the United States. These included Fleet Sonar School, Fleet ASW School, Instructor School, and NAVTAG School.

Aside from his personal life, he spent his illustrious career in the technical and engineering fields, holding positions ranging from junior draftsman to program manager. His specialty was developing and managing integrated logistic support products for surface ship sonar systems. His favorite pastimes during his career were field testing and evaluations, where he could genuinely be hands-on with what he was developing. His first significant corporate experience working in the technical and engineering field was with Westinghouse from 1950 to 1963, where he was a Technical Associate. After leaving Westinghouse, he worked for multiple defense contracting agencies and companies in Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. He moved up with every position he was hired for and successfully took on enhanced tasks and responsibilities in every place he worked. Like his time in the Navy Reserve, Chuck also bettered himself through education and schooling while working full-time. He attended and completed coursework in electrical engineering at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. Chuck completed an engineering management (ILS) program at George Washington University and took courses in Navigation, Piloting, and Oceanography at Anne Arundel Community College. He retired as a Senior Systems Engineer at Diagnostic Retrieval Systems Inc., now part of Leonardo DRS, a US-based defense contractor with a global presence. In his final years, Chuck was a member of the American Legion Post #7 in Crownsville, Md, and Post #175 in Severna Park, Md. Chuck was honored to be an active member at the Fleet Reserve Association Branch #24 in Annapolis, Md, where he was "Chaplain Castellaw" and standing committee chairman until his death.

During his free time, Chuck was an ardent sailor who loved the challenge and tranquility of sailing on his 1987 Catalina 36T Cutter, "Serendipity." Although most of his sailing activities occurred on the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries, his most memorable experience was a round-trip cruise from Severna Park, MD, to Nantucket Island, MA. Chuck was a beloved fan of the Orioles and an avid score checker wherever he went. If he weren't at home watching the game, he would be at a local spot enjoying a beer with his bar-b-que, a good slice of pizza, a wine with his pasta, or picking a bushel of crabs with his ice-cold beer.

Charles Castellaw Jr. is survived by his eldest daughter, Robyn Smit of Arnold, MD, and son, Charles "Rick" (Debbie) Castellaw III of Jefferson, GA, and in loving memory of their sister, Cynthia Cohran (predeceased). Charles Castellaw Jr. has five grandchildren: Derick (Karla) Cohran of Stockbridge, GA; Stephanie (Chad) Phillips of Arnold, MD; Michelle (Russell) Boswell of Fishers, IN; Charles "Chas" (Amy) Castellaw IV of Brookhaven, GA, and Trevor (Emily) Castellaw of Donalds, SC., along with his five great-grandchildren; Jacob Cohran, Isaac & Benjamin Phillips, Tom & Cora Castellaw.

Because Chuck celebrated life, no formal funeral service is being planned; instead, he will be honored with an outdoor Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 24 in Annapolis, MD. Please note it's for "Chaplain Castellaw" in the memo section of the check. FRA Branch 24: 100 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD 21401.