Charles Joseph Doucett (Charlie to family and friends), age 90, of Philadelphia, PA, left us on October 11, 2026. Charlie entered the world on August 28, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, born to Albanie (Morin) and Samuel Doucett.

After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, Charlie built a vibrant, active life. In May of 1955, he enlisted in the Air Force and served as a jet mechanic on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. He was later assigned to Hahn Air Force Base, Germany. On July 8, 1961, he married Patricia Ann Connor (Pat) of Shady Side, Maryland, and together they built a home and shared 65 wonderful years. After he resigned from the Air Force in 1963 and briefly worked for National Geographic, he dedicated 30 years to the Federal Government tasked with various computer programming jobs, ending his career as a Systems Analyst at the Department of the Navy where he was deeply respected by colleagues. Beyond work, Charlie was an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, also serving as an Elections Judge in Anne Arundel County.

Charlie and Pat lived in Bowie, Maryland for 17 years, then moved to Riva, Maryland in 1983. In 1997, they embarked on a westward adventure, moving to Palmer Lake, Colorado, where they resided for 28 years. Charlie was an avid participant in the Tri Lakes Cruisers Car Club, and he proudly refurbished his pride and joy, a 1957 fire engine red convertible Ford T-bird. He also helped other members rebuild engines and make various improvements to their classic cars. Each year, he helped organize and promote fundraisers for local community causes, such as the Tri Lakes Cares Food Bank. Charlie was well-respected as a skilled car mechanic as well as a kind, involved member and mentor to future generations of car lovers and community volunteers. He was well known as a coffee lover. After a brisk daily walk along his favorite trail with Pat, they regularly met friends at his favorite local spot, Serrano’s in Monument, CO. Each Monday morning, you’d find him with his car club friends, enjoying their weekly ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

Charlie loved travel, and he enjoyed many cruises and European tours over the years. Each time he and Pat returned home he was passionately planning their next trip. He also loved gathering for family reunions in California and Arizona, as well as visiting his children and grandchildren in Illinois and Maryland. He did not like staying put for too long, with one of his favorite expressions being, “We’re off like a herd of turtles!”

Charlie was reunited in death with his parents, Samuel and Albanie Doucett, his four sisters, Diane Harahan, Elizabeth Doucett, Jane Doucett, and Joan Doucett, as well as many other family members. His legacy lives on through his loving wife, Patricia Doucett; his daughters, Kathleen Palmer (Mark) and Marilyn Jones (Glenn), his granddaughters, Dana Palmwood (Ryan), Nicole Palmer, Erin Magner, and Colleen Magner, his sister, Claire Doucett, and his nephew, James Donovan (Jennifer), as well as a large circle of extended family and cherished friends.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Barranco Funeral Home in Severna Park, Maryland. Full service details will be announced once they are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Charlie’s memory to Assisted Living Well Compassionate Care or Gilchrist Hospice, in gratitude for their gentle care and kindness during Charlie’s final months.