Kenneth P. Stein

Mr. Stein attended Holyoke public schools, a post-graduate year at Governor’s Academy in So. Byfield, MA, and two years at Ohio State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII. As a first lieutenant and Air Observation Pilot, he flew field artillery planes from his base in the Philippines. After the war, he graduated from the Columbia University School of Optometry.

He served as the president of both Stein Jewelers, a 97-year-old family business, and Stein Realty, and was recognized by the American Gem Society as a Registered Jeweler for his extraordinary customer service, education, and integrity. He worked tirelessly to educate the public against the practice of false advertising.

As a community leader, he served as the President of the Visiting Nurses Association, Trustee of the Vanguard Savings Bank, the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, a long-time member of Rotary International, life-long member of the Sons of Zion Synagogue, and community volunteer. Throughout his life, he championed the importance of education, employing and encouraging many high school students to attend college, the overwhelming majority of whom did. Rotary recognized his leadership in mentoring students with its prestigious Paul Harris award. The City of Holyoke named a day in his honor.

He loved life, and people loved him for his congeniality, quick wit, wisdom, and compassion. An avid tennis player until he was 92, he played on high school and college varsity teams and won numerous championships. He was a voracious reader of history and current events, loved skiing, bridge, traveling, and consistently completed daily crossword puzzles in pen! His greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends.

He leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Marion Pincus Stein (“Pinky”) of Naples, FL, formerly of New Rochelle, NY, his daughters Margo and Kathie Stein of Gaithersburg and Rockville, MD, and Susan Stein-Black of Oakland, CA (John Black), granddaughter, Jasma Rose Gurung Stein of Rockville, MD, and sister-in-law, Leone Stein, along with many nieces, and nephews. His brother, Lloyd and parents Max and Sarah Kirle Stein predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Michel J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 https://www.michaeljfox.org/; Sons of Zion Synagogue, 378 Maple Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 https://www.sonsofzionholyoke.org/; the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34109 https://www.jewishnaples.org/; or a charity of your choice.