Charles Lampert Northrop

Our family has lost a man we would call a “hero,” although his humility would not allow us to say that in his presence. Charles Lampert Northrop passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, in Orange Beach, Alabama. Charlie lived a rich and long life, passing less than a month short of his 101st birthday. Last year Charlie was honored at a fantastic 100th birthday celebration, with a packed room of family and friends at the Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center. Despite his years, Charlie remained physically vibrant and engaged, and the party was no exception. The celebration typified his life of love, support, and leadership along with a healthy dose of humor. There was always humor, and Charlie was (as typical) the center of attention…without trying to be. In addition to the 100 plus celebrants at the party, Charlie touched the lives of thousands during his century of life, and will be sorely missed by all of us, each and every day. We should all be fortunate enough to experience such a well-lived life. Charles Northrop was born on February 13, 1923 in Ansonia Connecticut, to parents Charles and Francis (O’Brien) Northrop. He served proudly during World War II as a fighter pilot, and after the war ended, he attended the University of Connecticut, excelling in engineering. Charlie married Jane Elizabeth Hilliard in 1948, and began his career in research and testing as a civilian at the Army Missile Command in Huntsville, Alabama. This led to a highly successful career in leadership in that field for over 30 years. After retiring from the Army Missile Command, he worked in the private sector for Colsa Corporation for several years. During these years he and wife Jane raised three children and participated in countless community activities and organizations. One highlight…Charlie volunteered for, and ultimately sustained, a weekly bowling league for disabled children and young adults, “The Apple Pie Gang.” Truly a labor of love, and an opportunity to provide activity, sorely lacking for most of the participants. Never one to rest on his laurels, during his time in Huntsville, Charlie sought out further education, receiving a Masters of Political Science from Oklahoma University. His continuing search for education and knowledge also lead him to study at MIT as his career developed. If life could be described as a play, we could call that “Act I.” Charlie lost his wife Jane to illness in 1993. Still relatively young and active he soon-after embarked on a cross-country organized bicycle ride and happened to meet fellow cyclist Rosemary (Didi) Carrico. Years later this acquaintance and fellow cyclist would usher in “Act II” of his remarkable life story. Charlie and Rosemary were married in The Rose Garden in Portland Oregon on June 17, 1996. The family came to call Rosemary an “Angel,” as she greatly enriched his life, and the lives of the extended family for 27 years until Charlie’s passing. Bound together by their love of cycling, travel, and living life itself, Charlie and Rosemary together created a beautiful life….A journey that included bicycle touring (over 100,000 miles), and international travel adventures, keeping Charlie vibrant and still on the road cycling until 98 years old. Charlie’s life story cannot be told without mentioning his other passions, including sailing, master level painting, tennis, model train engineering and conducting, and joke telling. You could fill a book with the accomplishments and achievements of this remarkable man. If you met Charles Northrop you would likely never forget him. Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary (Didi) Carrico; his sister, Janet (Bruce) Petsche; son, Davey Northrop; son, Bruce (Doris) Northrop; daughter, Susan (Barry) Dahlin; step-daughter, Jennifer (Stephen) Simms; step-daughter, Meredith Stumpo; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, and to Community Hospice, 1450 North McKenzie St., Foley Alabama, 36535. Mr. Northrop will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville Alabama, at a private ceremony.

Charles Lampert Northrop

February 13, 1923 - January 11, 2024