Charles Mertz III
January 21, 1925 ~ April 25, 2025
Born in:
Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
McLean, Virginia
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Mertz III, who left this world on April 25, 2025, at the age of 100. Charles was born on January 21, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to Charles Mertz Jr. and Anna K. Mertz. His remarkable life spanned a century filled with love, service, and achievement.
Charles proudly served his country as a Commander in the U.S. Navy, dedicating 25 years of his life to military service from 1944 to 1969. His commitment to duty was recognized with numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal for WWII, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba).
After retiring from active duty, Charles continued to excel in his professional life, contributing his expertise as an aeronautical engineer at the Northrop Corporation Electro-Mechanical Division and the Vitro Corporation until his final retirement in 1990.
His educational accomplishments included graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1948, earning a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1953, and furthering his studies earning a Master’s in Jet Propulsion at the California Institute of Technology in 1954.
Beyond his professional and military achievements, Charles was a devoted family man. He celebrated 75 beautiful years of marriage to his beloved wife, Jean Cullin Mertz, who stood by his side through every joy and challenge. He is survived by: Chuck and Marji Mertz, Vickie Mertz and Mike Tobin, Bill and Colleen Mertz, Mary Mertz, Rob Mertz and Jon Coleman. Charles was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and a cherished great-grandfather to fifteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Dagmar Mertz.
Charles was deeply involved in his community, serving as a Treasurer and a 53 year member of the Lewinsville Presbyterian Church. He dedicated his time and energy establishing The Lewinsville Retirement Residence and supporting the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. He also had a diverse range of interests that enriched his life. He enjoyed tennis and golf. His passion for photography allowed him to capture and preserve family memories. His love for dogs and horses reflected his appreciation of animals and the outdoors.
A memorial service for Charles will be held on May 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, McLean, VA. Followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:30 PM at Vinson Hall Bistro, McLean, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice to honor his commitment to service and community.
Services
Memorial Service: May 7, 2025 2:00 pm
Lewinsville Presbyterian Church
1724 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 356-7200
Add to My Calendar
America/New_York
2025-05-07 14:00:00
2025-05-07 14:00:00
Charles Mertz IIIMemorial Service
Memorial Service
1724 Chain Bridge Road,McLean, VA 22101
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bob Gallagher
Funeral Director