Obituary of Steven Charitan

STOW - Steven Charitan, beloved Patriarch of our family was born on January 16, 1928 and passed away on March 17, 2010. His mother Anna carried him across the ocean from Europe and gave birth to him in a New World - Carnegie, Pennsylvania. With her husband Teodor, they brought up three children, Steven, Nicholas, and Betty, coping courageously and successfully with their new life in America while raising a family during the Great Depression. Steven served in the U.S. Air force attaining the rank of Corporal. Service completed, he worked at the Superior Steel Mill in Carnegie. Shortly thereafter he seized an opportunity to enter the retail industry and rose through a series of promotions to become a buyer at Gimbel's Department Store in Pittsburgh. This experience led to further opportunities as the Ohio Sales Representative for the "Billy the Kid" clothing line and finally with Levi Strauss and Company from which he retired in 1989. In 1950, he married Dorothy Walawender, who for the nearly 60 years of their marriage ensured his success with her unfailing care and devotion. Their two children, Stephen and Mark, honor the example of prudence, unqualified love, and focused determination with which Steven and Dorothy lived their lives. We are also grateful that the children of Mark and Deborah, Wendie Walker and Alexandra Charitan, knew the love and wisdom of their Grandparents and that Steven was with us long enough to experience the joy of Great Granddaughter, Emma Walker. Steven was a proud and passionate Democrat from the days of Franklin Roosevelt and he rejoiced in the continuation of FDR's vision in the victory of Barack Obama. He also passed on a lifelong love of the turbulent and unpredictable Atlantic Ocean to his family, from the shores of New Jersey and Maryland to the islands of the Caribbean. Friends may call Friday 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Redmon Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday 11 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial at Silver Springs Cemetery, where Charles Faust Post 281 will conduct military graveside service. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 3179 Kent Road, Stow, http://www.holyfamilystow.org/.