(COLLEGE PARK, MD, September 28 2004) -- Charles J. Beatty, 70, a University of Maryland educator for 33 years who won master teacher and distinguished teaching awards, died of brain cancer Sept. 9 at Casey House in Rockville.

Charles J. Beatty

A memorial service for Beatty is planned for 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the University of Maryland Chapel. A reception will follow at the Rossborough Inn. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship fund in honor of Dr. Beatty. Proceeds from the fund will be used to support scholarships for transfer students from Montgomery College who want to attend the University of Maryland College of Education.

He retired in 1999 as associate dean for student affairs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and after retirement continued to coordinate the College of Education graduation from the office of the dean.

"Those of us who were privileged to work with Chuck will miss his warmth, charm and sincerity," said Edna Mora Szymanski. "His passing was a great shock to us all. His contribution to the life and spirit of the college will never be forgotten."

Beatty was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University in 1959, a master's degree in education from Michigan State University in 1963 and a doctoral degree in education from the Ohio State University in 1967. He was married for nearly 38 years to a College of Education alumnus, Mary Ann Miller Beatty.

He joined the University of Maryland's Department of Industrial, Technological and Occupational Education in the College of Education as a professor and acting chairman in 1966. He remained with the College for his entire career. In addition to fulfilling the usual academic obligations of faculty committees, research grants and scholarly articles, Beatty was active in professional organizations, including Phi Delta Kappa. He was given a special National Humanitarian Award from the International Technology Education Association. The Beattys were presented with the 2004 Outstanding Service to the College of Education award this past September.

He also served as chairman of the Tootsie Roll Drive for the Knights of Columbus for many years, and also worked with the Burtonsville Health Fair, Christmas in April, Boy Scouts and Prince George's County Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities. He was a eucharistic minister at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beltsville, Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville and St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Catholic Church in Woodstock.

He delighted in sharing stories about his upbringing in Michigan, and was known for his skills with building projects, especially as a woodworker. He enjoyed playing golf, and traveling with his wife.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Dr. Mary Ann Beatty of Ellicott City; three children, Dr. Charles Beatty of Tampa, Colleen Dooley of Denver and Clare Dooley of Billings, Mont.; a sister; a brother; and a granddaughter.