Charles R. Speake

July 30, 1959 - March 17, 2022

Charles Richard Speake, an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother and son passed away on March 17th, 2022 after a fight with Lymphoma. He was comforted by his loving wife and sons at his longtime home in Columbia, MD. Charlie was born to Harry and Marie Speake on July 30th, 1959. He was the sixth of their nine children. Charlie married Margaret Cosgrove Speake on September 12th, 1981 and together they have four sons; Matthew (Shannon), Philip (Lora), James (Caitlin) and Luke (Stephanie). He is survived by his mother, wife, children, sisters, brothers, daughters in-law, nieces, nephews and five grandchildren: Mason, Emerson, Mac, Sloane, and Miles. Charlie’s life revolved around his love for his family, his friends and the ability to have a great time. He took enormous pride in teaching his sons the importance of family and loyalty. Charlie and Margaret knocked it out of the park, as evidenced by the fantastic daughters-in-law (Charlie’s angels) he adored so much and has entrusted to care for his wife, boys and grandchildren. He was simply one of the best men you could ever meet. He possessed a larger than life sense of humor, he could build or fix anything but a car, he had a love of sports, rough housing, music, and always knowing what was the right thing to do. His absence will be enormous, but his presence lives on in those that loved and knew him. Please join us for Charlie’s Celebration Of Life on Wednesday March 23, 2022 to be held from 3:00pm-7:00pm at the Howard County Fairgrounds; 4-H Hall. 2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794. Charlie left a message for us all before he passed away in regards to his celebration of life. “My hope is that this party is filled with a little sadness, a lot of music, and even more singing. You all have made my life as full as it could be, and I thank you for it.” In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a foundation that provided great support to Charlie, or to the American Red Cross, from which Charlie was the beneficiary of many other’s generous donations.