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Sergeant Charles Joseph “Charlie” Stein #18
(1933-2024)

 

 

Charlie was born August 10, 1933, in Cincinnati, to Peter and Margaret (Rennich) Stein. He graduated from Elder High School in 1952.

Charlie enlisted in the United States Navy on August 15, 1950, within two months of the beginning of the Korean War, and became a combat veteran serving on the Iowa-class battleship, U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB-64). He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1953, five months after the war ended.

When he returned home, he worked for C. M. Rennich Company as a mechanic, Hobart Manufacturing, and Standard Oil.

Concurrently in 1959, Charlie joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as a Special Deputy and the Anderson Hills Rangers.

Nine years later, Special Deputy Stein was appointed to the Hamilton County Road Patrol on March 28, 1968. During 1970 and 1973, Deputy Stein attended Xavier University taking courses in Police Management. He was promoted to Sergeant on June 1, 1973. In 1976 and 1977, Sergeant Stein took training in bombs, bomb threats, and dangerous ordnance, rape and sex offenses, liquor laws, narcotics, basic and advanced fingerprints, and search and seizure. On April 15, 1980, Sheriff Lincoln Stokes swore him in as the first post commander of the new Anderson Township post. He remained in charge for the next 16 years. He also served during summers in the Marine Patrol. On December 30, 1987, in a personal letter, Sheriff Simon Leis described Sergeant Stein as an “outstanding, dedicated, loyal employee.” Sergeant Stein retired on April 1, 1996 with 46 years of service to his country and county and an incredible number of letters of appreciation and/or commendation.

Sergeant Stein was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. In mid-October 2024, medics were unable to stabilize his low blood pressure, and he was admitted to hospice care. He died at the age of 91 on October 21, 2024.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Ann (Flaherty) Stein (2010); granddaughter, Whitney Yunker; and brother, Richard Stein. Sergeant Stein is survived by his children, Karen A. Cousino and Richard J. (Maria) Stein; grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) Todd, Alison (Leslie) Yunker, Erika (Alex) Webster, Karie (Brett) Stith, Ethan Stein, and Donovan Stein; and great-grandchildren, Aislinn Brooks, Isolde Brooks, Ava Quinn, Noah Stith, and Owen Webster.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at St. Veronica Church at 4473 Mt. Carmel Road in Anderson Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. A private family interment will be held later at St. Joseph Old Cemetery.

 

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