Charles Augustus Steinman

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Steinman Family on October 14, 2010:

Col. Charles A. Steinman, USA, Retired, of the Mt. Olivet area of Wheeling, passed away just two weeks after his 78th birthday, at Kindred Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. His family was at his bedside. Born in Benwood, WV, on April 30, 1932, Charles was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Celeste Ann, and his parents, Herbert Charles and Eleanor Anna Faulstick Steinman. Charles' wife, the former Martha Bartolovic, his three children: Charles A. II (wife, Celinda) of San Diego, CA; Dr. Sharon L. of Pittsburgh, PA; and Ellen Donnert (husband, Dieter) of Lebanon, TN; as well as his brothers: Fred of Ashville, NC; Herb of Lebanon, MO; and Jack of Madison, AL, all survive him. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, one great grandson, two step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. A graduate of Union High School in Benwood, Charles' academic achievement earned him an appointment to the United States Military Academy, at West Point, where he received a bachelor's degree in military science in 1955. After first serving as an airborne artillery officer, he then served in the U. S. Army Ordnance Corps until 1977, attaining the rank of Colonel. Receiving a master's degree from Kent State University, in 1967, Charles was elected to membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, an honorary society for excellence in business administration. Among his military decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. While on active duty, Charles' assignments included two tours in Germany and one in Viet Nam (where he was exposed to Agent Orange). After 22 years, he retired from military service and joined Frank E. Basil, Inc., and later, McDonnell Douglas Services, both in Saudi Arabia. Returning to the United States in 1987, Charles made his home in Wheeling where he assumed the position of Director of Business Services at West Virginia Northern Community College, serving on the Board of Trustees for many years. A man of many interests, Charles was an award winning amateur photographer and had a special interest in high fidelity electronics. After his retirement from WVNCC, he built computers for his family and was always available to neighbors and friends to solve their computer problems. In addition, he became a respected genealogist--greatly expanding work previously accomplished by his son. During his life, Charles was an honest, though modest man, who carried himself with dignity in all of his activities. Always ready to give credit and support to those who worked above him, with him, and for him, he was an inspirational leader who earned the admiration and devotion of those around him. In business, he was a master trouble shooter, willing to tackle problems others found too difficult. Yet, throughout it all, including his disabling illness, he maintained a marvelous sense of humor. Always treating others with consideration and kindness, even his private language was above reproach. Charles never smoked and rarely drank anything more than wine which he enjoyed with dinner. He gained such knowledge of wines that he even conducted wine tastings. To his last breath, he remained completely in love with his sweetheart of over 55 years. A Lutheran, Charles' services will be held on August 26, 2010, 9:00 a.m., at the Ft. Meyer Chapel, Arlington, Virginia, followed by a full military honors ceremony and burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Everyone attending is invited to a reception and luncheon at the Ft. Meyer Officers' Club To say that Charles is greatly missed by his family, his friends, and his Jack Russell, Caesar, is an understatement of inestimable proportions. His family agrees with an early American tombstone inscription, "It is a fearsome thing to love what death can touch."

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