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Charles Harold Mott
Charles Harold Mott died peacefully at home in New York City after a brief illness.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Anne Wittmer Mott, his parents Charles Harold Alleyne Mott and Mae (Lax) Mott, and his sister Dorothy Mott Brittingham.
A lifelong New Yorker born in Manhattan, he split his time between there and Quogue, Long Island. Charlie cared deeply about serving his community and sat on various boards for decades—including the American Museum of Natural History, his alma mater Williams College, Berkshire Farm Center (now Together for Youth) and the Quogue Zoning Board of Appeals.
Prior to Williams he attended Kent School, and he also received an MBA from New York University.
He started his career in the sugar business before discovering his passion for finance, first at Baker, Weeks & Co. and from 1976 onwards at J.W. Bristol & Co, where he led the firm as president for 31 years.
He thrived by going to the office nearly every day until just months before his death.
He carried a spirit of abiding optimism to all areas of his life, from his firm’s investments to the potential for the sun’s appearance on a day of interminable rain.
More than anything, he cared deeply about his family and loved nothing more than sitting around a table with them sharing a meal – accompanied by excellent wine. In his free time, he enjoyed skiing, golf and traveling the world on Williams alumni trips.
He is survived by his daughter Lawrie Mott; his daughter Betsey St. Onge (Matthew); granddaughters Lindsay St. Onge (Jaison Diaz), Amanda St. Onge, Ruthie Reisner (Nicholas Wolf); Margot Reisner (Nathan Gilchrest) and great-grandchildren Charlie and Lilah Saint Diaz and Marc Wolf.
A service will be held in Manhattan this fall.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Museum of Natural History or a charity of your choice.
Staff Writer on Jul 15, 2025