Obituary of Charles E. Stalzer, Sr.

Charles Edward Stalzer passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on August 8, 2024, at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a devoted husband to Rosemary (Blanciforti), and a cherished father to Susan Stalzer, MD (Bruce Tagle, MD), Maria (Peter) Smail, Ann (David) Stein, Charles “Chuck” (Maria) Stalzer, and Joan Stalzer, MD (Wes Ferris, MD). Charles is preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosemary and his six siblings: Dorothy Mary Stalzer J.D. (Dussman), Brigadier General Eugene “Gene” Anthony Stalzer, Florence Francis Stalzer (Urhausen), Genevieve Mary Stalzer (Sister Rita), and Rita Mary Stalzer (Flynn). He is survived by his 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Charles was born November 29, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of six children of Ida (Luke) Stalzer and Anthony Stalzer. The centerpiece of Charles’ family of origin was their Catholic faith. He was a faithful Catholic and loved God in word and deed. In 1945, at age 17, Charles applied for and was accepted to a Naval Aviator Program. He went on to complete his aviator training, and with the support of the G.I. Bill, he graduated from Notre Dame University with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and went on to complete his master’s degree in aerospace engineering at MIT. Charles’ experiences as a naval aviator set the trajectory for his life. Charles flew a variety of planes, including the F4U Corsair fighter, and the TBM “Avenger” torpedo bomber. It was during Charles’ time as a graduate student at MIT in Boston that he met the love of his life, Rosemary Blanciforti. Charles and Rosemary married on August 3, 1957, and they started their married life in Seattle, Washington. They went on to have 5 children. After Charles retired from the Navy as a Commander in 1976 he attended law school at Catholic University, graduated and passed the Virginia Bar Exam. Charles worked for many years as a contract attorney for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority until his 70’s. He and Rosemary eventually moved to Cincinnati to live near family. Charles was a notable marathon runner. He started competing in 1964, well before it became popular, and continued racing until the age of 84. He ran over 80 marathons and numerous shorter races. His favorite marathons were the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon and the Big Sur Marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon had a special place in his heart. He participated in that marathon continuously from its maiden race in 1976 until the 2003 event, a total of 27 races. He is one of four men to accomplish this. Although Charles was accomplished as a naval aviator, an academician, and an attorney, his family knows that his greatest accomplishments were being a devoted husband and father. He was truly dedicated to his beloved wife Rosemary and he set the example of unwavering faith, unconditional support, and integrity for his children. He will be missed by all of them. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16th from 8:30AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial, 9:30AM, at St Gertrude Parish, 6543 Miami Ave. (45243) Madeira. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.