The Reverend Father Charles Francis Smarsh

On August 25, 2021 Father Charles F. Smarsh passed away at Riderwood Village, Silver Spring, MD, where he was a resident for the past four years. He was born and raised in Staten Island, NY.  He graduated from St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoody, NY and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1964 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fr. Charles served as parochial vicar of Our Saviour, the Bronx, NY from 1964 to 1965 and St. Catherine’s, Pelham, NY from 1966 to 1970. He earned a graduate degree in theology and Greek and Latin Languages from Fordham University, and a Master’s degree in physics from Stevens Institute of Technology. During this time he also taught physics at both Fordham University and Iona College. In 1972 he became an assistant priest at Holy Redeemer Church, College Park, MD, where he served for 49 years. He earned a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Maryland and completed coursework for PhDs in Physics and Education there also. He taught Physics Lab at the University of Maryland for 34 years. Fr. Charles loved books, he was an avid reader of history, and music written before the 18th century. He is survived by his sister Jane Monahan and her husband Drew, his brother Joseph Smarsh and his wife Carol, seven nieces and nephews and 12 grand nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Charles F. Smarsh will be celebrated on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, College Park Maryland.

A wake will be held the day before on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All are invited to join us for our Wine & Cheese Reception following the wake in the Holy Redeemer Four Seasons Room on Wednesday  at 6:00 p.m.  Come to share & hear stories, memories, & tributes to our beloved Fr. Charles at this open mic. night.

Fr. Charles was a wonderful friend to Holy Redeemer Parish beginning in 1973 when he became a weekend assistant while working as head of the physics lab at the University of Maryland and residing in his home in Berwyn Heights, Maryland.  Holy Redeemer was honored to celebrate with him his 50-year Golden Jubilee of his priestly ordination in 2014 with a weekend celebration.  During these decades, this beloved priest became like a member of the family to so many of his friends here at Holy Redeemer.

Fr. Charles served Holy Redeemer until around 2015 when his health kept him from continuing.  He moved into independent living at Riderwood in 2016 and then assisted living there in 2018.

Please keep Fr. Charles in your prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.