Charles Henry Dickey

Charles Henry Dickey, 71, passed away in Orlando, Florida, on March 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 28, 1955, in Los Angeles County, California, Charles was the son of Myron and Charlotte Dickey. He was raised primarily in Orlando, Florida, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Charles built a distinguished career as a highly respected architect and owner of CDA Design Studio. Through his work in residential, institutional, and small commercial design, he expressed a deep passion for creativity, thoughtful design, and craftsmanship. He spent much of his career in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he left a lasting architectural mark on the community, later continuing to share his creativity throughout the state of Florida. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved the Florida Gators, as well as the sun and the sand. He had a fondness for simple pleasures—soft serve ice cream and a giant plate of nachos among his favorites. He remained active throughout his life, enjoying biking, walking (always at a brisk pace!), and running, including the Marine Corps Marathon in his earlier years and several half-marathons alongside his daughter. Charles never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to bring a smile to everyone he met. He was creative, incredibly generous, artistic, kind-hearted, and deeply loving. Charles is survived by his daughter, Susan (Matthew) Smith, and their children, Claire and Cooper; his siblings, Barbara (David) Graul, Robert (Nancy) Dickey, and Mio Pais; and his nieces and nephews, Shannon (Tony) Casati, Erin (Bob) Delehanty, Sarah (Joe) Buckner, Sean (Deborah) Dickey, Patrick (Michelle) Dickey, and Talia St. Clair, along with their children. He is also survived by his former wife, Christina Rees, with whom he shared an enduring bond of friendship and mutual care, and his partner, Diane Croson, a cherished and loving companion. Charles will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. The world is a little less interesting without him.

Charles Henry Dickey

February 28, 1955 - March 18, 2026