Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Charles “Richard” Rose III was born on January 16th, 1957, in Waynesboro, VA, the youngest of three children at the time. He lived in Waynesboro until age 8, when his mother, Joyce, and step-father, Harry, relocated the family to Oxon Hill, MD.

That is where Richard would make life-long friendships and create the memories that shaped his life. If you asked Richard, he would tell you he had THE BEST childhood. His Mom and his adoring Grandma were his biggest fans as he played football, basketball, baseball, and soccer through Boys and Girls Club and then in high school. He loved reminiscing about the ‘glory days’ of the OHHS basketball team’s winning record of 20-0 and how his mother attended every game he ever played in every sport. He loved showing pictures of the thousands of bottles and cans amassed on his back porch for senior pranks and telling story after story of high school and college adventures.

His summers as a boy often included trips to rural Virginia to spend time on his great uncle’s farm, often with his cousins. He would reflect on how Uncle Henry was totally self-sufficient on his farm, how quiet it was, and how dark the night skies were. Reunions in the country included feasts of fried chicken and amazing pies and cakes served up on the flatbeds of farm trucks and trailers.

During high school, he took a job working with Joe and Anthony Conte, and he worked with them through college at the University of Maryland. They encouraged him to get his real estate license and gave him their listings. He was licensed in 1978 and often took sales calls on the dorm phone.

 He was a natural at sales and earned the titles of Rookie of the Year and New Home Salesperson of the Year.

 His most powerful gift may have been that of attracting people. He grew his REMAX franchise to the largest global level and held that spot for three years. He won multiple awards as a franchise owner, including the coveted Distinguished Service Award. He knew that his successes were due to the company he kept- the wonderful men and women who were agents in the company. The energy was undeniable, and Richard tested limits and broke barriers during his years in the industry. But what he appreciated most were the friendships created, the memories of great successes, and the chance to celebrate. He was known for throwing great parties, organizing charitable golf events, and making people laugh. He was truly excited for the success of those who worked with him. And he held firm that he worked for the agents, not they for him. If you were part of his company, you were family.

 Richard’s greatest partnership began on Valentine’s Day in 1979 when he met Brenda, the love of his life. They built a beautiful life together, raising six children and instilling in them a love for sports and music. In 1998, Brenda joined Richard in his real estate business, helping it grow with her dedication and support. Richard was Brenda’s biggest fan, especially regarding her band performances. You could find him trying to quiet everyone down at her shows so they could listen to her voice.

Always the competitor, he played basketball in men’s leagues alongside his dear friend Brad and was reported to be a menacing defender. He loved to watch Maryland Terrapins basketball and his beloved Redskins (couldn’t say Commanders) and was lucky enough to see them win.

But of all his achievements, he would tell you that he was most proud of his family. Richard was a father of six kids, grandfather (“Pop Pop”) of eight and counting, and could never say enough about them. He was so very proud of who they were, their lives, their work, and the fact that they all still included their parents in their lives. His kids were his social life, and that was enough. He was grateful for the relationships his children had with their chosen loved ones and their families and looked forward to any excuse for getting together.
Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Brenda Rose; their children, Matthew Rose (Missy), Amelia Rose, Veronica Rose, Natalie Rose, Austin Rose (Candace), and Abigail Rose (Jacob); their grandchildren, Lacey Harding, Wyatt Rose, Marissa Albero, Lilly Albero, Adrianna Rose, Zachary Rose, and Macy Moery, his brother David Rose, his sisters Diane Donovan and Elizabeth Reynolds Harvey, and his seven nephews.

He was grateful to his nephews Jason, Johnny, and Justin Donovan and always appreciative of Robert Drescher, Jeremy Connor, Brian Stewart, Melissa Rose, Candace Rose, and Jacob Moery for the love and care they provided as partners for his children. Richard always respected the constant love and support of Brenda’s parents, Otto and Corinne Peyer, as well as her sister Debbie and brothers Billy, Ricky, and Eddie.

He is predeceased by his mother, Joyce Juanita Reynolds, his step-father, Harry Reynolds, and his grandson, Charlie Daniel Connors III.

Friends are invited to celebrate Richard's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, February 27 from 1 pm until his memorial service begins at 3 pm.

Charles Richard Rose, III

Charles Richard Rose, III

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