Charles Francis Stein III ’55

Charlie died of pneumonia Feb. 8, 2006, at his home on Gibson Island, Md.

He prepared for Princeton at Gilman School in Baltimore, and majored in political science at Princeton. While attending UVA law school, he contracted polio and spent months in an iron lung. He returned to UVA and graduated in 1960. He maintained a general law practice in Baltimore and Towson until retiring in 2005 because of failing health. As a result of his polio, he used a wheelchair since the mid-1990s.

Charlie, who started to sail at 10, was one of the best-known and highly respected skippers on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic seaboard. He won hundreds of races and was named the most successful bay sailor in his class five times. A friend and crew member said, "It is amazing how he overcame his physical drawbacks in order to keep sailing. He was always smiling, happy, and never complained."

He continued sailing until his deteriorating physical condition forced him to stop. He then turned his competitive energies to bridge and chess.

The class extends its deepest sympathy to Ann, his wonderful wife of 36 years; his daughter, Laura; son Chad; and two grandchildren. Charlie will be greatly missed.

The Class of 1955