Charles Kenneth Mauer, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Born on April 16, 1952, Charles’s life was a tapestry of compassion, dedication, and love, woven together by the many roles he embraced and the countless lives he touched.

From his earliest days in Baltimore County, Maryland, where he attended Calvert Hall College High School, through his studies at LaSalle College in Philadelphia and the Catholic University of America where he obtained his PHD, Charles was guided by an innate curiosity and a deep-rooted drive to do good in the world. His commitment to service led him to dedicate his entire professional career to the Community Services Board in Fairfax County. In every role he held, Charles tirelessly served all members of the community, honoring each individual’s dignity and story with a profound respect that earned him the admiration of his colleagues and those he helped. His work as a consultant with the police force, the Forensic Team, and particularly on the Mobile Crisis Unit where he retired as supervisor—was defined by his unwavering compassion and clinical knowledge. Those who had the privilege of working alongside him often spoke of his warmth, integrity, and compassion. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Charles was a man who cherished the simple joys of life and delighted in sharing them with those he loved. He was an avid baseball fan and cheered devotedly for his beloved Orioles, finding a sense of camaraderie and excitement in every game. Later he became a hockey fan and was mad about the Capitals. Charles was a true foodie with a passion for cooking; known especially for the adventurous meals he prepared for his family—whether around the dinner table at home or over a campfire in the woods. His artistic nature came through in his talent for drawing and photography which he passed on to his three sons. 

Friends and family recall Charles’s playful spirit and his quick sense of humor. He was a Little League Coach and frequent volunteer with his sons’ Boy Scout troop, bringing laughter and lightness to every adventure and earning the affectionate admiration of the boys. He accepted the camping and hiking trips planned by Joan and his sons with good-natured tolerance, always ensuring that everyone was well-fed —his campfire feasts were his favorite part of these trips. These moments, filled with laughter, love, and connection, were among the memories he treasured most deeply.

Charles’s legacy is carried forward by his devoted wife, Joan Mayer; his sons, Kevin, Jonathan, and Brendan Mauer; his treasured grandsons, Parker and River Mauer; his beloved daughters-in-law, Paula Belfiore and Jennifer Mauer, his sister's son Brian Magar, Joan's siblings and spouses as well as numerous nieces and nephews through Joan's family. The family also fondly remembers those who preceded Charles in death: his father, Charles Kenneth Mauer, Sr.; his mother, Rita Kwiatkowski Mauer; and his sister, Elizabeth Magar Farrell.

Charles’s intellect, compassion, wry smile, and sense of humor will remain in the memories of all who knew him. Charles’s memory will live on in the stories we share, the values he instilled, and the love he so freely gave. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and deeply cherished.