Stephen Sandler

Stephen R. Sandler of Stevensville, MD, died at his home on October 16, 2006. He was 65 years old. Mr. Sandler was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Abraham and Beatrice (Melnick) Sandler. Soon after he moved to Bangor, PA, where he spent the next 18 years of his life. He graduated from Bangor, PA, High School and received a BS in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. After a short career with the Easton, PA, Express, the local newspaper and as an Associated Press stringer, he entered Johns Hopkins University where he received a MA from the Writing Seminars in 1971. In the mid-70’s, Mr. Sandler became interested in the writing of political radio and television spots, which became his vocation until his death. As Communications Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee and Director of the Republican Marketing Group, he led the $14,000,000 national advertising program that was credited in part with the victory of Pres. Ronald Reagan and the GOP capture of the US Senate. Two years later, he formed Sandler-Innocenzi, Inc., with James A. Innocenzi, a company still a major political force. Sandler-Innocenzi’s clients have included Kirk Fordice, first Republican governor of Mississippi since 1872, Kay Orr of Nebraska, first female Republican governor and the recent upset win of Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, plus 30-40 other victories. Local clients have included the Stop Bay Dumping Campaign, State Senator E.J. Pipken and US Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. Mr. Sandler has taught the last five years on the adjunct graduate faculty at Johns Hopkins University. He is an honorary Kentucky Colonel and an Admiral of the Grand Navy of Texas. He enjoyed swimming, cards, reading, writing and cooking. Mr. Sandler is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Ann Wulf; two daughters, Melissa Faye Trimmer of Easton, PA, and Jennifer Greer Sandler of Stevensville, MD; one son, Michael Jacob Owen Sandler of Midland, VA; a sister Susan Deborah Wachtel of New Orleans, LA; and six grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A., Chester, MD on Friday, October 20, 2006 at 11 AM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 19, 2006 from 5-8 PM. Interment will be in Stevensville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen Anne’s Hospice, 423 Thompson Creek Rd., Stevensville, MD 21666.