Michael P. “Mike” Caruthers, a major Maryland developer, quiet philanthropist and devoted family-man, died on August 13, 2019 at his home in McLean, Virginia surrounded by his family. He was 72.

Mr. Caruthers served as President of The Somerset Companies, a real estate development firm located in Bethesda, Maryland, since 1993. From 1972 through 1993, he was Vice President of Westchester Construction Company, the predecessor to Somerset. He and his company have provided substantial impact to the State economically, transforming regions, adding jobs and providing a variety of residential opportunities.

“Mike was the best friend, mentor and partner a person could ever ask for,” shared Neil Greenberg, Chief Operating Officer, The Somerset Companies. “Life will not be the same without him. Mike lived by an uncompromising code of fairness and kindness, and he had a way of connecting with everyone. He was a caring, unassuming and authentic person who never realized his true importance.”

He was a man of his word with a great sense of integrity. He established partnerships with developers, builders and operators, some whom include St. John Properties, Bozzuto Group, Southern Management, Mills Corporation, Simon Properties, Corporate Office Properties Trust, Elm Street Development, Armada Hoffler Properties, First Industrial Realty Trust and Chesapeake Real Estate Group. With these Partnerships, he developed thousands of apartment homes, thousands of residential lots, millions of square feet of commercial buildings, hotels, and numerous communities, some of which include, Annapolis Junction Town Center, Arundel Mills Mall, Arundel Preserve, Arundel Overlook, Baltimore Crossroads @95, Greenleigh, and Westchester Park.

“I’ve had the good fortune to have known Mike for many years as a business partner who became a friend,” said Edward St. John, Chairman of the Board, St. John Properties. “From day one, I knew he was a man of integrity with a strong business acumen. He entrenched himself in communities in which he and his company had a presence, making a personal commitment to support them. He was a humble giant of a man who had a tremendous positive impact on so many.”

Thomas S. Bozzuto, Chairman, The Bozzuto Group, said “Mike was a tough-minded businessman who at the same time was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have known.”

Mr. Caruthers was born on June 12, 1947 in Portsmouth, Virginia, the son of a builder and homemaker. He was raised in Portsmouth until his teens when he moved to Southeast Washington D.C. where he attended Frank W. Ballou Senior High School. He came from a hard-working, proud, struggling family. Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled in the University of Maryland College Park, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economic Geography in 1972.

He was devoted to his family. He and his wife, Rosemary (Keller), met and married 49 years ago while both were attending the University of Maryland. They have three children, Erika Caruthers (Mitch Brown), Melissa Dunnington (Mike), and Jeremy Caruthers (Caroline); and six grandchildren, Ethan, Madelyn, Colin, Jackson, Sawyer, and Oliver. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren including going on special trips, along with attending sports events and educational activities. He took tremendous satisfaction in their accomplishments and achievements. His greatest sense of pride came in seeing them become successful, caring, kind, and loving individuals. Education was everything to him as he thought the access to success was through education.

He was a generous philanthropist whose contributions were made quietly and in a non-public way. His commitment to helping those in need, through his time, talent and treasure, impacted the lives of many.

“Mike Caruthers was always someone that I truly admired. In my dealings with him, he was the definition of humbleness, integrity and generosity,” said James E. “Ed” DeGrange, Former Maryland State Senator, Anne Arundel County. “He was a man of his word and was someone that I could always count on.”

Morton Fisher, Jr., Retired Partner of Ballard Spahr, added, “Mike was intelligent, savvy, and lived by strong principles. When times got tough, you wanted him with you.”

Mr. Caruthers engrained himself in local communities and with a variety of organizations in the region. He served on numerous Boards and committees for non-profit and county organizations for almost 30 years, some of which included the Middle River Zoning Roundtable; Anne Arundel County Small Area Planning Committee; Baltimore Washington Medical Center; University of Maryland Medical System; University of Maryland College Park Foundation; Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce; Baltimore County Police Foundation; Essex/Middle River/White Marsh Civic Association; and Springfield Youth Club.

“I am a better person, as are all who knew him, because he brought out the best in people, shared Robert “Bob” Bendler, President, Essex Middle River Civic Council. “Eastern Baltimore County is a better place because of his vision and the high standards and quality he demanded. Never, in my experience, has a developer exhibited so much concern for the area impacted by his projects. His openness, candor, honesty, generosity, kindness, and integrity set an example we should all strive to emulate.”

“Mike was an extraordinary leader and dear friend,” said Karen E. Olscamp, President and Chief Executive Officer, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center. “He cared deeply for this community and his many contributions have had a profound and enduring impact on the Medical Center and the health of those we serve. We will always be grateful for his years of service and dedication.”

He received numerous awards and was recognized for his leadership and commitment to others, some of which include the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce “Hall of Fame” and “Years of Service” Awards, Glenn L. Martin Visionary Award, Baltimore Business Journal Heavy Hitter Award, Anne Arundel County Economic Development “Developer of the Year Award” and several citations from County Councils and the State Legislature.

In addition to his wife, Rosemary, children and grandchildren, Mr. Caruthers is survived by his mother, Aurelia, two brothers: Larry (Susan), Bill (Becky), and three sisters: Bea Logsdon (Ken), Patsy Floyd (Erich), and Nell Shaughney (Mike) as well as several nephews and nieces.

A service celebrating Mr. Caruther’s life will be held on Saturday September 14, 2019 at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve at 11:00 a.m.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory be made to “Live the Life Foundation,” 305 W. Chesapeake Ave., Suite 503, Towson, MD 21204. The Foundation was created when Mr. Caruthers introduced two special friends and asked them to use their motivations and talents to improve the world for under-served athletes. For additional information, please call 410-707-4393.