Robert Charles Kautz

Robert “Rob” Charles Kautz, born April 30, 1959, was called to heaven on May 21, 2026, after passing suddenly of natural causes while on a fishing trip with his dear friends. Rob was the loving husband of Theresa “Terry” Galvin-Kautz, the devoted stepfather of Andi Galvin-Manico, and the faithful brother of Sandy Hall and Tracy Loppatto. Rob will be remembered dearly by his sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Galvin, Chris Galvin, and Janet Olcott; his brothers-in-law, Stephen Loppatto, Gene Galvin, Jeff Galvin, Deacon Ken Galvin, and John Olcott; his nieces, Erica Damskey, Stephanie Loppatto, Ceci Strong, Katie Corcoran, Clare Galvin, Mary Taylor, Jenny Olcott, and Jessie Olcott; his nephews, Nick Loppatto, Josh Galvin, and Jack Olcott; the many other members of his extended family; and his many lifelong friends.

Rob was the devoted son of Doris and Charles Kautz. He attended Oxon Hill High School, where he was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and played trumpet in the school’s orchestra and marching band. He later attended Washington College, where he played third base for the college baseball team, before going on to attend the University of Maryland, College Park. Rob began his career as a precision optician at Cumberland J.R. Precision Optics in 1986, accepted the position of president in 2016, and formally retired in 2024.

Rob was a diehard sports fan, and all who knew him will remember his love for the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and the University of Maryland’s football and basketball teams. No matter their performance on the field, Rob’s support never wavered, nor did his readiness to voice his approval—or lack thereof.

All who attended his many tailgates and Kentucky Derby parties knew Rob as a welcoming host, a master of the grill, and the life of the party. As a former trumpet player and lifelong lover of music, Rob always knew what song to play to keep the good times going. He was known for his quick wit, generous nature, and love of family and friends, whose ranks grew wherever life took him.

Rob also loved to fish and play golf. It is fitting that he passed doing what he loved—on a fishing trip with his buddies. The enduring bond between Rob and his close friends of more than half a century was truly remarkable and is sure to last from this life to the next.

Rob possessed an uncommon decency and was intuitively compassionate, always reaching out to those he believed needed a friend in good times and bad. He was a man of unwavering faith who believed in the importance of charity and regularly practiced it. As a loyal parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rob served as an usher and volunteer at the parish rectory.

Rob met his wife, Terry, and her daughter, Andi, in 1997 before marrying Terry the following year. With limitless compassion, enduring strength, and unbridled joy, Rob became the keystone of their family. Andi and Terry will never forget the love and happiness he brought to their lives, which were forever changed by his commitment to them.

Rob’s kindness, sincerity, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and friendship.

A viewing will be held for Rob from 5 pm to 8 pm on June 4, 2026 at Beall Funeral Home, located at 6512 NW Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on June 5, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 16501 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715. Immediately following the Mass, a repast will be held in Carroll Hall, located in the basement of the church. Rob’s family warmly invites all who knew and loved him to attend these services.