Charles K. Steinel
December 6, 1954 – March 2, 2022
Charlie hailed from a long line of public servants which laid the foundation for his entire life in public service - serving his community and helping others to his very last day. Raised in Union City, Charlie became a Union City Fireman and then elevated to the rank of Fire Captain with North Hudson Regional Fire Department. During his time as a firefighter, he served as Union City FMBA Local 12 President, then State FMBA Legislative Chairman, State FMBA Northern District Vice President and State FMBA President. Charlie absolutely loved the fire service and always wanted to teach the profession to others.
He accomplished this as an instructor at the Bergen County Fire Academy for almost 17 years. His public service continued in his hometown of Bergenfield as a Councilman and his numerous years as a Board of Adjustment Member. In October of 1993, The Star-Ledger named Charlie the “Jerseyan of the Week” in recognition of his public service career.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife Catherine Steinel of 32 years and his two loyal fur-baby companions Teddy and Sky. Charlie is also survived by his siblings, Richard J. Steinel Jr., Gail Steinel, Nancy Sabatiel and her husband Fernando, and Robert Steinel-Duboue and his wife Camille; nieces and nephews Samantha Sabatiel, Madison and Meaghan Steinel-
Duboue, Richard J. Steinel III, Michael Rodriguez and Vanessa Hoppe. Charlie was predeceased by his parents Richard J. Steinel, Sr. and Helen M. Steinel (nee O’Brien). Visitation for Charlie will be held at Leber Funeral Home in Union City on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral mass shall be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield. Cremation services shall be private.
