Charles H. Stein

STEIN, CHARLES H., 76, born in New York, passed away early Sunday morning at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach. Charlie led an industrious career, having started a citrus company in Lakeland, FL, which soon became one of the largest employers in Lakeland before selling his company to Kraft Foods. He then became Pres and CEO of Sara Lee Foods, taking it from a regional Chicago bakehouse to an international baked goods manufacturer and distributor. In the mid 60's, Charlie founded Hardwicke Companies, which soon grew to an international conglomerate, owing casinos, hotels, wild animal safari parks and duty-free stores around the world, and whose holdings included the world renowned Maxwell's Plum and Tavern-on the-Green restaurants in NY and Great Adventure (6 Flags) Entertainment Park in NJ. Charlie's varied entrepreneurial activities, his principal hobby and passion, continued until his passing. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Rusty, his devoted children: Bradley (Nancy), Clifford (Janet) and Candice (Alan), and his wonderful grandchildren: Jason, Kyle, Spencer, Dillon, Perry and William. Chapel service Tuesday Oct. 12, 2004, 12:00 PM at Blasberg-Rubin- Zilbert 305-865-2353, 720 71st Street, Miami Beach with interment to follow at Lakeside Memorial Park. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.