The Life of Charles Rapley Hooff III

Charlie was happiest on his farm on Belmont Bay and was a true steward of his land. Picking pears, planting trees and splitting wood with his grandchildren, caring for his animals and mending fences, enjoying the visits of bluebirds and wild turkeys, checking in on the osprey or eagle nests, taking naps in the warm winter sun with his devoted dog, Jaeger, by his feet, watching the seasons change and enjoying the sunsets across the field and over the river. He was a life-long hunting enthusiast and particularly enjoyed hunting in Africa, South America, Great Britain and at home in Virginia.

Charlie embodied the concept of “life-long learning“ before it was a considered a career goal. A voracious reader, he was always learning something new about history, farming tools, law, land management and politics. He was equally comfortable and capable hitching a baler to his tractor as he was debating the outcome of the Third Crusade.

Our father enjoyed presiding over tables of family and friends; he was a gracious host and a gourmet cook. He loved sharing stories of growing up in Alexandria, sparring with those with differing opinions, discussing family lineage and most importantly sharing his children’s accolades and escapades. He was a loving and dedicated husband to Gudrun, his wife of 53 years. They met and married in Taiwan when he was an accountant for Air America. As a couple, they enjoyed traveling the world. Our father was a super-involved parent who would wake up at the crack of dawn to take us to swim practices, keep meticulous notes of our best times, referee at endless swim meets, cheer on the sidelines for countless lacrosse games and support us in our collegiate careers. He encouraged us to follow our dreams in our career pursuits and delighted in each of our different paths.

As the owner of Charles R. Hooff Realtors, he exemplified a strong work ethic and thoroughly enjoyed the company of his “office family.” He was devoted to his faith and church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He gave generously to numerous schools, notably his alma mater, Episcopal High School, and historical causes such as Mount Vernon and Jamestown. Charlie was a member of The Jamestown Society, The Metropolitan Club, The Life Guard Society of Mount Vernon, The Old Dominion Boat Club, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, The Society of Colonial Warriors, and The Alexandria Businessmen’s Club.

He is survived by his wife, Gudrun Hooff; 4 children and their spouses, Maremi Andreozzi (Phil), Churchill Hooff (Jenn), Janney Jay (Willy) and Carlie Casella (Dan); 12 grandchildren, Quinton Andreozzi, Eloise Andreozzi, Mary Shelton Hooff, Olivia Hooff, Lainey Hooff, Camilla Hooff, Morgan Jay, Augusta Jay, Peter Jay, Charlie Casella, Alice Casella and Clark Casella; his sister, Caroline Norman and her husband, Jim Norman; and extended family and friends of all ages from all corners of the world. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Hooff, whom he was looking forward to seeing again.

Charlie Hooff wanted us to relay that “he lived his life his way, made it work and looks forward to seeing you all on the other side.”