Charles "Charlie" Rodney Hahn, of Charlestown, MD, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 6, 1951, in Wilmington, DE, Charlie was the son of Oliver Martin and Mary Elizabeth (New) Hahn. He grew up in Arden, DE, where he developed lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for nature. He graduated from Brandywine High School and received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware.

On May 21, 1977, Charlie married the love of his life, Valerie Shockley, in Wilmington, DE. Their relationship began when a group of friends planned an evening out—but only Charlie and Val showed up. That serendipitous night led to 48 years of marriage, marked by a loving partnership, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Charlie spent 26 years as a Chemical Engineer at the DuPont Company's Chambers Works plant in New Jersey, where he contributed to the development of polymer products. He retired early at age 48 and embraced a life spent between their homes in Arden and along the river in Charlestown—two places that reflected his love of nature and peaceful living.

An avid birder, Charlie found joy in watching and feeding the birds that visited his yard. Yet no bird held a more special place in his heart than the Philadelphia Eagle. A lifelong, devoted fan, he rarely missed a game. He was also an exceptional table tennis player, a passion he carried from his college years well into his late 60s.

Charlie will be remembered for his genuine kindness, humility, and warm sense of humor, punctuated by his iconic laugh. Though quiet by nature, he knew how to let loose, occasionally breaking into his famously endearing dance moves known as "the Charlie."

Throughout his later life, Charlie faced significant health challenges due to congestive heart failure. He met each one with remarkable strength, resilience, and calm. Time and again, he overcame daunting recovery odds, earning from his cardiology team the affectionate title of "the perfect patient." His steadiness during difficult times reflected his lifelong practice of transcendental meditation.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Mary Hahn. He is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie; his sisters, Virginia Chaffinch (Lawrence) of Butler, TN, and Phyllis Estepp (James) of Gray, TN; his brother, David Hahn (Mari) of Huntington Station, NY; 9 nieces and 5 nephews, and 11 grandnieces and 7 grandnephews. Though he did not have children of his own, he embraced his role as an uncle wholeheartedly.

A Celebration of Life for Charlie will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 1 pm at the Charlestown Fire Company, 307 Market St, Charlestown, MD 21914. The family requests that you please RSVP by email to hahncrod@aol.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Charlie's spirit of generosity by donating to a food bank or a charity serving those in need.