Robert Charles Horne, Jr., known to most as “Chuck,” was born on April 29, 1947, in Bethesda, Maryland. He passed away early Friday morning, September 25, 2026, surrounded by family.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Charles Horne, Sr. and Elizabeth Draper Rudd Horne, and his sister, Shirley Martin. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, JoeAnn Horne (née Stevens); his three children, Robert M. Horne, Sr., Carrie E. Wheeler, and Sara L. Fox; sons-in-law, Timothy Wheeler and Wesley Fox; and his grandchildren, Robert M. Horne, Jr. (“R.J.”), Sawyer L. Horne, Paul M. Wheeler, and Carter O. Wheeler.

Chuck was a graduate of Walt Whitman High School and the University of Maryland. He later worked for the University, where he met his future “first” wife. During the Vietnam War, he served at Fort Hood, Texas, where he trained as a sharpshooter. Upon returning to civilian life, Chuck was a programmer and computer scientist for both Computer Science Corporation (CSC) and MITRE Corporation. He was especially proud of his contributions to the Hubble Space Telescope and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). Chuck retired from MITRE in 2016.

In retirement, Chuck became more involved with several local charitable organizations. Chuck believed strongly in giving back to his community and helping those around him. He delivered for Meals on Wheels, was a member of the American Legion Post 175, and served as a Board member of the Severna Park Health Association, Inc., and the Severn River Lions Club, Inc. He had may roles with the Lions Club, notably as chapter president and as the lion mascot in the annual Severna Park Fourth of July parade. On occasion, Chuck was persuaded into dressing as Santa Claus for the Berrywood South Neighborhood Community Association. Chuck also acquired and shared his father’s interest in genealogy, and remained in contact with several more remote family members.

During both his working years and retirement, Chuck was a man of many hobbies and interests, with boating at the top of the list. He could happily spend an entire day working on a boat or trying his hand at any wind-propelled watercraft. On the water, he felt most free. Chuck was also an avid reader with interests in technology, history, and science fiction. An early adopter of technology, he was always eager to acquire (and sometimes even use) the latest gadgets. He spent many years in a bowling league and treasured the time he shared with friends. Chuck grew up rooting for the Washington Football Team, the Maryland Terps, and the Washington Senators (later adopting the Orioles as his favorite baseball team to appease his children).

Most of all, Chuck loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and found great joy celebrating their birthdays and spending holidays with them. Chuck thoroughly enjoyed attending his children’s, and later his grandchildren’s, various sporting events and performances. He was a self-proclaimed handyman with an affinity for duct tape and unconventional fixes that somehow kept things running. A prankster in his own right, he delighted in giving bunny ears in photos and hiding Christmas gifts.

Chuck was truly one of a kind and did things his own way. He leaves behind a legacy of goodwill, generosity, and neighborly love; and all who knew him will deeply miss him. Chuck lived a meaningful life and made the world a better place.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, October 13th, between the hours of 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donation in honor of Chuck’s memory be made to your local blood donation center Or monetary donations be made to the “Severn River Lions Foundation,” PO Box 118, Severna Park MD 21146.