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Longtime Akron real estate attorney remembered
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: December 22, 2017
He was the go-to attorney for many lawyers seeking advice on difficult real estate matters for around 60 years, but when he wasn’t in the office Ernest Robert Stein could be found at home in Copley Township, where he spent time with his family and tended his seven acres of land.
But on Nov. 27 Stein passed away at the age of 90.
“Ernie was a wonderful uncle,” said his nephew James R. Stein. “I was fortunate enough to get the chance to see him almost every day for about 40 years because we worked together in the same office.
“He had a small family but he was very close to them,” said James. “He was a real homebody. I think he only took one trip out of the country his entire life and that was to visit his son who was studying in London.”
Robert Hunt, a sole practitioner in Fairlawn, said Stein was “always a gentleman.
“He had a vast knowledge of real estate and was willing to share it with others, including me when I was a young lawyer,” said Hunt. “I enjoyed his company and really appreciated his help.”
Born in Akron on June 6, 1927 to Casper and Rosa Stein, he was the younger of their two sons. His parents had recently arrived from Hammelburg, Germany and Stein used newspaper comics to teach himself to read English before he started school and prior to learning to speak it.
His nephew said Stein was fascinated with mechanical and electrical devices from a young age, leading him to become a lifelong tinkerer and to excel in science at Garfield High School.
“He was a real handy man,” said James. “He knew how to wire a house or room,” said James. “He rewired my first house for me. He was very good at it.”
After high school, Stein attended The University of Akron, where he studied political science and Spanish. He received his juris doctor from the institution now known as Case Western Reserve University School of Law and opened his own practice in Akron in 1950.
In 1957, he married music teacher Mary Louise Anderson. The couple had one son, Robert Ernest.
In the early 1960s, Stein co-founded Minnesota Insured Title, a full service title agency currently owned by his nephew.
Stein’s law office was located in the title agency, which was initially on West Bowery Street and later moved to East Mill Street. Today the agency is located at 209 S. Main St.
“My uncle brought me into the business about 48 years ago,” said James. “I started as an errand boy and worked my way up.
“I bought him out many years ago, but he still kept his law office here.
“He did some probate work, but he was known for his real estate practice.
“I remember that he would always get calls from numerous attorneys who needed advice on real estate matters,” he said. “My uncle had the ability to solve their problems by walking them through their issues.
“He mentored many attorneys, both young and old,” James said.
David Culbertson, a sole practitioner in Akron who handles real estate, probate and wills, was among those who sought out his expertise.
“Ernie was a great guy and a true real estate expert,” said Culbertson. “He never charged for his help.
“We were not social friends but I would see him at Lions Club meetings, in court and when I stopped by Minnesota Title.
“He was quiet, but friendly and he had a good sense of humor,” said Culbertson. “He was devoted to his family. When his wife became ill, he retired from practicing so he could take care of her.”
Hunt said he would often join Stein and other attorneys at lunch.
“A number of years ago a bunch of lawyers would meet at the Masonic Temple and Ernie would show up almost daily,” said Hunt. “I would often save my real estate questions until I got the chance to see him.
“Ernie used to say there was no such thing as a dumb question. He would say ‘if you are smart enough to ask the question, I will do my best to give you an answer.’
“He will be greatly missed by myself and those who knew him,” said Hunt.
His nephew said Stein and his wife planted several thousand trees on their property in Copley Township over the years.
They were also longtime patrons and served on the board of directors of the Ohio Light Opera as well as being active members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Wadsworth for decades.
“My uncle and his wife considered their property a paradise,” said James. “When he was working, he was a big fan of staycations. I think he was the original poster child for them.
“My uncle never drank, smoked or overate, but he did have one vice and that was Hershey’s chocolate bars. He always had a big box in his desk and he consumed them like he owned stock in the company.
“He worked very hard,” said James. “Before he retired, he almost never took a day off in all the years he worked.”
Stein is survived by his son Robert Ernest; sisters-in-law Dorleen Parker, Elizabeth (Malcolm, deceased) Anderson and brother-in-law David Anderson; nieces and nephews Rev. Fr. Robert E. Stein, James (Majella) Stein, Kathy Hoff, Karen Anderson, Scott Anderson, Dr. William (Lucy) Parker and Shelly (John Gottschee) Parker along with a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.
His parents Casper and Rosa Stein, brother Rudy and his wife Mary Louise all preceded him in death.
Stein was cremated during a private service on Dec. 5 and has been interred beside his wife at Copley Township Cemetery.