Charles Edward Hepner

SHARON — Charles Edward Hepner, known to all as Charlie, age 96, died on July 31, 2021.

Charlie was born July 29, 1925, in Oakland, Calif., just before his beloved twin sister, Liesje. The twins were born to Mabel Marsh Hepner and Edward Hepner.

Charlie grew up in Piedmont, Calif., and attended Cal Tech. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy during World War II, and then returned to the University of California, Berkeley to finish his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Charlie continued his education at MIT, earning a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. Charlie reenlisted in the Navy as an officer, serving in the Korean War from 1951-1954. Following his second Navy enlistment, he went to work for the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Conn., as an engineer.

Charlie’s life took a new and exciting turn when he met and married Anne Hoyt in1956. 

Still at Electric Boat, he got involved in design and became interested in patent law. Son Bob was born in 1962. 

Always the student, Charlie returned to Yale Law School and received his law degree and his daughter, Liz, in 1968. 

Charlie worked and became a partner in the Kenyon and Kenyon Patent Law firm in New York City from 1968 until his retirement. 

During 10 years of this time, Charlie and his family lived in Fairfield, Conn.

The family moved to Sharon in 1979. Charlie set down roots in his “final resting place” in the former Cameo Rest Home on Sharon Mountain.

Anne and Charlie lovingly renovated the house for years. Charlie became an integral part of the community through involvement in the Sharon Methodist Church, Jackson Peck Land Trust, Sharon Historical Society and the infamous Sharon Athletic Club. His hobbies included woodworking, mowing the lawn and engaging his brain in the daily New York Times crossword puzzle.

Charlie’s legacy lives on through his wife, Anne; his daughter, Liz; his daughter-in-law, Lauren Rosenberg; his son-in-law, Tom Jackson; and his four grandchildren, Bess Hepner, Ella Hepner, Arlo Jackson and Frida Jackson. 

Sadly, he was predeceased by his son, Bob.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Sharon United Methodist Church.

Charlie was always an altruistic member of his community. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Sharon United Methodist Church, Doctors Without Borders or the charity of your choice.