The Town of Chesapeake Beach Mourns the Loss of Charles “Chuck” Ruttkay

March 6, 2024 (Chesapeake Beach, MD) – The Town of Chesapeake Beach mourns the loss of a longtime loved volunteer and Town resident, Charles Ruttkay, who passed away on February 11 at 91 in his home in Chesapeake Beach, MD. Charles, also known as “Chuck,” is “The consummate volunteer, and a great guy that everyone loved. He loved Chesapeake Beach, and his contributions to the Town will have a lasting effect for generations.” stated Mayor Patrick “Irish” Mahoney. 

Chuck was born in 1932 in Pennsylvania, grew up in Washington, D.C., and spent two years in the U.S. Navy aboard a destroyer during the Korean War. Chuck enrolled in Interior Design School and began a 60-year career designing everything from residences, restaurants, stores, and offices. Chuck and his wife of 34 years, Jan, moved to Chesapeake Beach full-time in 1998 after spending years as weekenders. Chuck immediately became active in Town, serving as an appointed official and the Chair of several volunteer committees while continuing his design work. Chuck served on the Town Council, the Board of Appeals, and as the Chair of the Town’s Fun Committee. Chuck planned everything from the Town’s Easter Parades to Halloween Parties. Of all his accomplishments in Town, Jan recalls that her husband was most proud of his role as the Veterans Memorial Park Committee Chairman, establishing the design we see today that commemorates our fallen heroes at the center of Town.

Chuck opened a store in Chesapeake Beach, Bayhill Accents, a local favorite where patrons enjoyed coffee and purchased jewelry and decorative items. After several successful years of operation, Chuck moved the store to a larger space and renamed Bayhill Market. The new larger space allowed Chuck to offer a café with gourmet food, sell furniture, and sell handmade gift baskets.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jan, seven children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A celebration of life is scheduled in Chesapeake Beach in the Spring of 2024. The Town will release further information on how you can join the Mayor, Town Council, Town Staff, and Town volunteers to honor Charles Ruttkay and his impact on the Town of Chesapeake Beach.

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