Brown-Wynne Funeral Home
Charles Werner Stiefel was born on October 30, 1950, in Catskill, NY to Werner K. Stiefel and Catherine Pierson Stiefel. He died peacefully of multiple illnesses on July 31, 2023, surrounded by family in Raleigh, NC.
Charles ("Charlie," "Chas," "Buddy") grew up in Oak Hill, NY, built a home in Catskill, NY, thrived in Miami, FL, and retired to Raleigh. He was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Yale University (1972), and valedictorian of his class at Albany Law School (1975). He practiced law for several years before becoming a successful businessman. He was general counsel to and then ultimately helmed the world's largest privately held dermatology company, Stiefel Laboratories. His contributions to the world of skincare and dermatology are unprecedented.
The most important thing to Charlie was his family. His siblings were Jay, Ned, Joan, and Stephanie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard. The love of his life was Daneen Stiefel, with whom he shared life's adventures and over 50 years of marriage. They had two children together, Todd and Brent, and he had four grandchildren: Cole, Amber, Sienna, and Tyler.
Charlie was brilliant and had a wicked sense of humor. His patience, strength, kindness, and empathy are inspiring. He authored the book Skin Saga and invested in over fifteen feature films. He was a lifelong musician and art appreciator. He was a member of several bands including The Four Sharps and Words Such As Burn. He was an avid music listener whose "Charlie's Favorite Songs" playlist can be enjoyed online. He was a sports enthusiast and he was an athlete who excelled at basketball, tennis, and golf. There was never a major sporting event that he didn't want to view.
He helped a number of causes and regularly contributed to his community. He was a mentor to many and touched the lives of countless individuals. He was deeply passionate about curing cancer and skin disease. He helped support the endowment of three chairs in the University of Miami Dermatology Department. He earned the 2006 Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was a national finalist in 2009. He was honored at the 2009 South Florida Business Journal's Ultimate CEO Awards. The American Skin Association presented him with the 2015 Distinguished Service To Humanity Award. The Dermatology Foundation of South Florida awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the only non-physician to be inducted into the inaugural class of the Dermatology Hall of Fame.
Charlie's joyful personality and positive outlook will forever be inspiring. He will truly be missed.
In memory of Charles Stiefel, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts. Please designate gifts to go to Charles & Daneen Stiefel Chair Cancer Prevention (ESTIE)."
Fond memories and messages of condolence for the Stiefel family may be left atFond memories and messages of condolence for the Stiefel family may be left at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/raleigh-nc/charles-stiefel-11392710
LINKS
Times Union
http://www.timesunion.com
The Miami Herald
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald
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