Charles Fitzgerald Stuart Jr.

Charles “Chas” Fitzgerald Stuart Jr., who retired as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Miller and Smith in 2019, passed away from complications of Parkinson's disease on January 2nd at Suburban Hospital, surrounded by family.

Mr. Stuart, a lifelong Washingtonian, was born at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. He was a graduate of Northwood High School, Duke University, and the George Washington University Law School. The son of Charles Fitzgerald Stuart Sr and Helen “Ginnie” Stuart, he is survived by his wife of 38 years Diane H. Stuart; two children, Charles F. Stuart III (Rachel) and Christine E. Stuart; three siblings, Denise H. Stuart of Kent, Ohio, Peter M. Stuart of Kensington, MD, Nancy S. Tavenner of Frederick, MD, and nieces Selena and Kayla.

Mr. Stuart dedicated his legal career to finding purpose in home building, city planning, and community service. Prior to becoming General Counsel at Miller and Smith, he worked at Linowes and Blocher and at the Rouse Company. Mr. Stuart also served as an adjunct assistant professor at the George Washington University Law School. Driven by a strong sense of community, he served in a number of public roles, including President of the Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of the Village of North Chevy Chase for many years.

Mr. Stuart was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kensington, MD. As a young Eagle Scout of Troop #466, Mr. Stuart developed a keen appreciation of our national parks on lengthy summer scout trips. In later years, he enjoyed sailing with his father on the Chesapeake Bay and numerous vacations with his family to national treasures in Maine, Michigan, Alaska, Wyoming, and others.

A memorial service will be held at Gawler’s Funeral Home on Monday, January 13th from 6-8 pm, followed by a funeral mass at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 14th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Rock Creek Conservancy or the National Park Foundation.