Charles Ray Tolbert

Charles Ray Tolbert (Charlie) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 4, 2025. He was born on November 14, 1936, to Ray and Mary Tolbert in Van, West Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carla; his three daughters, Juliette Tuller, Nicolette Kennealy (Sean), and Michelle Tolbert (Robert Rosholt); six grandchildren, Sydney and Ryan Tuller, Isabelle and Carlie Kennealy, and Sabina and Avianna Rosholt; brother, William Tolbert (Carol), and sister, Mary Ann Tolbert (Lynn); and extended family in the U.S. and abroad.

Charlie was raised in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Fox Elementary, Binford Junior, and Thomas Jefferson High School. He received his B.S. in Physics from the University of Richmond in 1958. He went to graduate school at Vanderbilt University, earning a M.S. in 1960 and a Ph.D. in 1963 in Physics-Astronomy. He began his academic career as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, followed by three more years as a scientific officer (similar to an assistant professor). While in the Netherlands, he met and married his wife, Carla. In 1967, they moved to Charlottesville, where he began his long career with the University of Virginia’s Astronomy Department.

Charlie specialized in both optical and radio astronomy and spent 40 years teaching introductory astronomy. For eight years, he served as Director of the Office of Academic Space (classrooms and offices). In that role, he spearheaded conservation initiatives during the early 1990s energy crisis and ensured compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. His commitment to accessibility continued as chair and long-time member of the Physical Access Committee. For ten years (2000–2009), Charlie served proudly as Grand Marshall, leading the graduation on the Lawn. He was also deeply engaged in the scientific community as a member of the American Astronomical Society (serving six years as Education Officer), the American Institute of Physics, the Royal Netherlands Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (Fellow), and the Society of Scientific Exploration (the Treasurer for nine years and President for six years). Other memberships included the Raven Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Sigma Xi. Charlie and Carla were also long-time members of the University’s Colonnade Club, where he served multiple terms on the Board and two years as President.

Charlie was very involved in his community. He served for seven years (1982–1989) on the Albemarle County School Board, the last two years as Chair; for six years (1983–1989) on the Piedmont Regional Education Program, the last two years as Chair; and for twelve years (2014–2025) on the Board of Directors of the Albemarle County Service Authority (the Water Board), the last three years as Vice-Chair.

A visitation will be held at Teague Funeral Service in Charlottesville on Saturday, December 20, from 2:00–4:00 pm. A private service will be held at the University Columbarium at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Charlie’s memory to National Public Radio (WVTF) or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at the University of Virginia Medical Center and Charlie’s long-time physicians for their support and care.

Charlie will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.