Specialist Charles D. May, Sr. PS-222
(1932-2023)
Charlie was born October 27, 1932, in Penn Yan, New York to Harry and Blanche (Maine) May. He attended Penn Yan Academy until 1948.
On his 17th birthday, October 27, 1949, Charlie enlisted in the United States Army. He had his basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and joined the 11th Airborne Signal Company. He completed Communications School at Fort Campbell in 1952. He took Jump Training at Fort Benning, Georgia and served overseas during the Korean War. As the war was winding down, Corporal May was honorably discharged on January 18, 1953 with a Parachute Badge, Glider Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation.
After military service, he became an apprentice with Fox’s Name Plate on Beekman Avenue until he was laid off. He then went to work at the Baldwin Piano Company.
On July 11, 1954, Charlie joined the Cincinnati Police Division in the 27th Police Recruit Class. He was promoted to Patrolman on October 11, 1954, issued Badge Number 605, and assigned to District 4 (754 W. 5th Street). During 1955, district boundaries evolved, District 4 moved to 1017 Vine Street, and Patrolman May transferred to District 2 (314 Broadway). On September 11, 1955, he transferred to the new District 1 (310 Ezzard Charles Drive). During 1964, he completed fourteen weeks of Canine Training and on September 6, 1964, Patrolman May was transferred to the high-profile Tactical Unit. On February 27, 1966, he was among the first group of men promoted to the new rank of Police Specialist and was issued Badge PS-222. On April 4, 1971, Specialist May transferred to Fiscal Property Management Section (314 Broadway). He also served in the Transportation Section. Specialist May retired on January 3, 1984 with 32½ years of service to his country and community and ten letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
Specialist May went to work as an investigator for the Ohio State Racing Commission, then joined the security team at River Downs Racetrack. For decades, he attended the “West Side Breakfast Club” of retired Cincinnati Police Officers.
In late 2023, Specialist May fell a couple of times sustaining bruising and stitches. He was admitted to Mercy West Hospital and died there on November 27, 2023 at the age of 91. He was the last living retiree from Recruit Class Number 27.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann M. (Babst) May, and son, Charles D. “Chuckie” May, Jr. Specialist May is survived by his children, Kim (Tom) Chappell, Nancy (Ron) Whitfield, and Jeff (Teri) May; grandchildren, Lisa (Dave) DiPilla, Payten Stout, Kristen (Aaron) Licari, Andy (Emily) May, and Allie (Nick Moore) May; great-grandchildren, Makenna DiPilla, Hannah DiPilla, Landen DiPilla, Barrett Licari, Baby Licari, and Quinn May ; and “Lady Friend,” Lynn Case.
Visitation will be held 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home at 3155 Harrison Avenue. An FOP service will be held at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church at 810 Neeb Road. Burial, including military honors, will follow at St. Joseph (New) Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society, 308 Reading Road, Suite 201, Cincinnati, OH 45202 – or – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Neurofibromatosis, PO Box 5202, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5202.
© 2023 – All rights are reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum.