Charles Lester Trotter, Jr. - Obituary

harles L. Trotter, Jr., passed away suddenly at his home in Punta Gorda, FL, on April 7, 2026. Charles was born on July 18, 1947, in Washington, DC. He was a retired Sergeant and decorated veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) and a proud Marine. Known to many as "Chip," his life was defined by service to others and dedication to the badge. He devoted 22 distinguished years to the PGPD, beginning his career in 1970 with immediate distinction as the recipient of the Sgt. Joseph K. Brown Award in Recruit Class 3-70. Throughout his tenure from 1970 to 1992, Sgt. Trotter served in some of the department's most elite and demanding units. He was a member of the Special Operations Division from 1973 to 1985 and the Honor Guard from 1974 to 1985. In his later years with the department, he contributed his expertise to various federally funded, multi-agency task forces. A highly decorated officer, Sgt. Trotter received numerous citizen and command staff commendations, Awards of Merit, the Chief's Award, and the Silver Medal of Valor. He was also honored by the Maryland House of Delegates for his bravery and service. Prior to his law enforcement career, Charles served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1966 to 1972. He carried the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment throughout his life. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1979. Charles was a man of quiet strength and deep integrity. He met and married the love of his life, Monica in 1983. They retired to FL in 1992 in the early years enjoying boating and the outdoors. They became avid readers and history enthusiast and traveled often to visit historic sites. He was reserved in nature but unwavering in his principles and devotion to his family. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Leatrice and Charles Lester Trotter (former Assistant Director of the FBI Identification Division); his sister, Suzanne; and his mother-in-law, JoAnn Goddard. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Monica Trotter; his son, Charles Trotter III; his brothers, Mark (Marilyn) and Greg; as well as his beloved extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind close friends Stephen Joy and Jim Kraut. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Charles' life on Tuesday, April 14 from 4 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 14515 Church St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. In honor of Sergeant Trotter's life of service, the family suggests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation online at www.t2t.org.