Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charlie was a man of multifaceted passions and unwavering commitments. He attended Duke University from 1948-1950 before serving four years in the US Air Force where he was trained in cryptography and dispatched to Armstrong, a tiny town in Ontario, Canada. There, Charlie demonstrated his innate business talent managing and rescuing the base's social club from near bankruptcy. Following his service, he graduated from Rutgers University in 1956.
A native of New Jersey, Charlie was born March 7, 1930, in Plainfield, NJ. He was the son of James Cropsey Lott, who was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and Anita Kathryn Howell Lott. Charlie was a resident of Stuart, FL, but also spent time in Buck Hill Falls, PA, and Old Greenwich, CT.
He is survived by his wife Barbara Gregorich Lott, the children of his late wife Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Brown Lott, including daughter Kathryn Kehoe (husband Daniel) of Manasquan, NJ, daughter Virginia Lott of Point Pleasant, NJ, and son James Lott (wife Mary) of Ridgefield, Connecticut; and sister Jean Jupp (husband Bill) of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Meghan, Daniel, and Paige Kehoe, and Kathleen and Mia Lott; step-children Michael Gregorich (wife Karen) of Key Largo, FL, and Andrea Sherman (husband Robert) of Riverside, CT; and step-grandchildren Dolan, Sam, Margaret and Quinn Gregorich; and Robert, Laura and Evelyn Sherman.
Charlie possessed a remarkable talent for playing the piano by ear and often shared his musical gifts with friends and family. During the holidays, his family was treated to enchanting renditions of carols, played on his Clavinova piano, bringing warmth and joy to their gatherings. Additionally, his daily concerts for Barbara became a cherished routine. Music was not just his refuge; it was where he found solace and the purest form of joy.
Charlie embraced gardening and competitive tennis with equal enthusiasm. He played on the varsity team at Duke University and participated in recreational doubles matches at clubs across New Jersey, as well as in Buck Hill Falls. He was immensely proud of his garden, which served as his sanctuary. Charlie's absence often meant he was diligently at work, immersed in his garden.
His profound affection for dogs and family was evident, some even jesting about the order of his devotion. His beloved dog Freddy held a special place in his heart and was a testament to the cherished bond between man and his loyal companion, epitomizing the enduring concept of "man's best friend."
Charlie leaves behind a legacy woven with dedication, love, and a commitment to excellence in all facets of life. He will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered as a devoted husband and father, and a man of exceptional talents.
A memorial service will be held at 10am on Sunday, December 10 at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Charlie's name to the Buck Hill Falls Conservation Foundation.