David Christopher "Chris" Cottrill - Obituary

avid Christopher “Chris” Cottrill, 65, a 30-year resident of Annapolis, MD, passed away on March 17, 2023. Born on October 2, 1957 in Washington, DC to Mydra Maier and the late David Cottrill, Chris was raised in Bowie, MD and graduated from Bowie High School in 1975. He was an alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 and Master of Library Science degree in 1998. Chris began a 31-year career with the Federal government in 1992 when he joined the National Archives and Records Administration. In 2000, he moved to the Smithsonian Libraries, National Museum of American History and, in 2011, made a final career move to the Smithsonian Libraries, National Air and Space Museum. Chris was passionate about history, especially U.S. military and naval history, but his greatest passions were his family and faith. He was a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis. In addition to his mother, Chris is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Michele Cottrill; his son, Benjamin Cottrill and daughter, Elizabeth Cottrill, all of Annapolis; two brothers, Paul (Debbie) Cottrill of Riva, MD and Shane (Leanne) Cottrill of Catonsville, MD; one sister, Andrea (Jeff) McCusker of Chesapeake, VA and several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to a memorial service for Chris at 4PM on Wednesday, March 22 at the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church of Annapolis, 710 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Chris’ name to the Operating Fund of EP Church at the address above. Online condolences may be offered using the Memories link on the left side of this page.