Charles Clem

With profound sorrow and infinite love on August 19, 2025, Steve Clem, a devoted husband, beloved father, and adored Pops, went to be with our Lord. He was an intelligent man whose quiet and generous nature had a positive impact on our lives.

C. Stephen "Steve" Clem, Jr. was born on July 3, 1942, in Woodstock, Virginia to Charles and Beatrice Clem. He graduated from Strasburg High School in 1960 and furthered his education at Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA) before transferring to Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, WV) where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. Following graduation, Steve received an assistantship to the University of Delaware for graduate study in Economics from 1964 through 1966.

After spending a couple of years teaching economics and U.S. history at Shenandoah College, the majority of Steve's work life was spent in the labor movement both domestically and on the international stage. After starting his work with the Communications Workers at their headquarters in Washington D.C., Steve then joined the United Rubber Workers (URW) International staff in late 1969. Steve spent 26 years with the URW with 18 of those years as Research and International Affairs Director where he was involved in master contract negotiations, writing speeches for U.S. Presidents, lobbying on trade issues, and serving as the URW's liaison to international labor federations and unions. His career fed his curiosity of the world while he developed relationships with his counterparts in Germany, Japan, and many other countries across the continents of Europe, Asia, and South America. In 1995, the URW merged with the United Steel Workers where Steve spent 3 years before retiring in 1998, capping 30 years in the labor movement. After "retirement", Steve spent 15 years at the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University where he was involved in job retention and layoff aversion initiatives at both the state and federal levels.

Steve was an avid but below average golfer whose main goal was to enjoy the time outdoors regardless of the score. He was also a strong runner who enjoyed participating in 5K events in the area.

Steve is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 31 years, Marie Testa Clem; children Sally Clem, Jason Clem, Todd Baranek (Patricia), and Krista Dobronos (Tim); grandchildren Elena Dobronos, Dominic Baranek, Kayla Dobronos, Amara Baranek, and Joseph Dobronos; brother Terry Clem (Janice); brothers-in-law Paul Testa (Kathie), Joe Testa; sisters-in-law Loretta Allen (Jim), Margaret Lovell (Tony), Carolyn Durkin (John); many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and wonderful friends and neighbors.

Thank you to Dr Michael Gedeon, our personal caregivers, and the amazing professionals at Gentiva Hospice for the care and guidance for our beloved Steve.

Calling hours will be 9:00am to 10:30am, Monday, August 25 at Hummel Funeral Home, 2800 W. Market St. Fairlawn, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday at 11:00am at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St. Fairlawn, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Akron Canton Food Bank.

Say at least one Mass for me. Please don't feel sad but rather celebrate and toast a life well lived with a glass of pinot noir.