Charles Joseph Silk, 85, a longtime resident of Arnold, passed away peacefully at his home on February 13, 2021 surrounded by his adoring family.

Charles, known to many closest to him from a young age as "Bud", was born to Charles and Regina Silk on May 19, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA. He was raised in Philadelphia, attended St. Edwards and St. Bernard Elementary schools, and graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1953. He earned a degree in Business Administration from La Salle College in 1961.

He served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 at Ft. Meade and in Amberg, Germany. He continued his career as a Contract Administrator for the Department of Defense for 42 years in both Philadelphia and Baltimore. He received many awards and was recognized repeatedly for his service to the United States Government.

Bud was always involved in the life of his parish. He spent many hours volunteering at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Southampton, PA and St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park, MD.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen (Gercke), on December 26, 1959. They lived in Southampton, Pennsylvania with their four daughters until 1974. They moved to Arnold, Maryland where they welcomed a son into the family. This house, which he resided in until his passing, became the gathering place for his large family. He held the family together with the most incredible love and strength as a deeply devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. The time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews was what he lived for. He also had many friends that filled his and Kathleen's life with love and laughter. He was the expert in planning trips whether it was the yearly family vacation to the Outer Banks, trips all over the US or visiting many countries in Europe. He would have made an amazing travel agent and took such joy volunteering to help friends and family plan trips. He loved sharing his experiences with them and helping to make their own adventures as amazing as his were. Bud always had time to help everyone and no one ever had to ask twice.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Jennifer Russell (John). He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathleen Silk (Gercke); his children, Suzanne Rainey (Jack), Maureen Creel (Paul), Caroline Harman (Paul), Eric Silk (Danielle), 15 grandchildren: Megan Fulford (Benjamin), Shannon Cronin (Joseph), Colin Rainey, Alexandra Harman, Bridget Creel, Samantha Harman, Sean Creel, Courtney Rainey, Nicholas Russell, Brendan Harman, Kevin Rainey, Cameron Creel, Spencer Russell, Charlie Silk, Finley Silk and three great-grandchildren: Grady Fulford, Madeline Fulford and Joseph Cronin Jr. He is survived by his sister-in laws Joan Meeks (Frank), Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private Funeral mass for the family will be held on February 27, 2021 at 10:00 o'clock, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Severna Park. Please click on the following link to watch a livestream of the mass: https://boxcast.tv/view/in-loving-memory-of-charles-bud-silk-maiplvtxur8zsajxcuuh

Interment at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date when the family hopes to be able to include friends in the Celebration of Bud's wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bud's honor to St. John the Evangelist School, 669 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park, MD 21146 or online at St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic School.