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STEVE SHREEFTER Obituary

SHREEFTER--Steve, January 17, 2013. Father, husband, brother, teacher, humorist. Touched everyone with his generosity, sense of justice. A life-long activist, committed to progressive education, he taught 27 years in NYC alternative public high schools, then at LIU School of Education, Brooklyn. He will be missed by his wife, Azi, children, Emily, Ben, Jessica and Hannah, granddaughters Aya and Olivia, siblings Diane and Robert, all his extended family, many beloved friends, students, colleagues, and recently, caregivers. Contributions in his memory: VT Worker Center, Rethinking Schools.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 21, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for STEVE SHREEFTER

30 Entries

Mindy Matijasevic

February 20, 2022

I don't need a special date to think of you. I speak to you freely now on any date. I hope you see and hear all.

Suzanne Herman

January 15, 2021

I missed seeing you in the Black Lives Matter as I know you always stood for respect and honor for us all . I miss hearing your thoughts about the terrible things happening in our country . But most of all I miss your spirit of fairness, and your care and concern for us all. You are very missed

January 15, 2020

Remembering you today Steve. Such a kind soul. -Sadio Comrie

Suzanne Herman

November 21, 2013

Steve's unflinching faith in his students was an inspiration. Working alongside him was a humbling experience and his students responded to his kindness and determination ....he exposed them to the gift of reading and the beauty of conversation. It saddens me to hear of this loss. Though we haven't been in touch in a long while, his phone number always remained in my address book. I wish I had had the chance to say farewell.

May 28, 2013

Steve will be greatly missed! My condolences to the family - Sadio Comrie

Mindy Matijasevic

April 28, 2013

Steve, your realness was always refreshing in this life (to those of us who need it). You were able to reach a place and make me smile on a gloomy day. I appreciate the real contact so much.

Dylan Tramm

April 21, 2013

Steve, you were the best professor I never had at LIU. You always helped me out regardless of whose course I was actually enrolled in. I thank you greatly, and I will miss you.

Uncle Stevie in his favorite shirt.

Jon Frankel

April 2, 2013

Nkomo Morris

March 29, 2013

What a terrible loss to LIU and to all teachers everywhere. He was open hearted, kind, tough-talking when he had to be, and always full of integrity. Folks who didn't get to know him have all missed out. I regret I didn't spend more time with him when I could have,

Chet Elkind

March 19, 2013

Steve was my first (and best) roommate at the Hotel Cornell, where we both underwent protocols for blood cancer. Steve radiated a sense of comfort and humor to patients and staff alike, and was honest as he spoke about his health. I have enjoyed meeting Azi and family, and found comfort in their kind presence as well.

Steve, I will miss you. And I thank you.

February 18, 2013

I only met Steve twice, but it's warm, generous spirit was so apparent. My thoughts are with you, Karen Shreefter

Lisa Vives

February 11, 2013

We were Midwood high school buddies. Steve was always thoughtful and kind, funny, smart and tall! I saw him many times over the years with strollers, children, growing family. He deeply loved his family and was blessed with many children and grandchildren. It's good to know of all the good works he was involved in throughout his life. I send my love and sympathies to all the Shreefters.

Joyce&Harold Tobman

February 2, 2013

STEVE WAS A PERSON UNSURPASSED IN HIS WIT, KINDNESS AND SENSE OF JUSTICE. Being in his company was always delightful and shall remain a wonderful memory of ours.

Mindy Matijasevic

February 1, 2013

Steve, I find it too difficult to believe it ends here. So as I told my own mother at her funeral, "I'll see you." Steve, thanks for being a supporter of me as a person. Azi often told me you are my biggest fan. It all matters.

Louise Forsyth

January 30, 2013

I have many fond memories of Steve from high school and from over the years when we met through friends or in the education business. He was an exceptional soul and warmed everyone he met with his humor and his heartiness. I send my warmest sympathies to his beloved family.

Aunt Millie

January 29, 2013

Steve, to sum it up, left us with feelings of deep love and respect for him and sorrow at his passing much too soon.

a friend

January 28, 2013

There was snow earlier this a.m.
then rain then snow again
tomorrow who knows what will come
we never know till it is done
At first he wasn't but now he's gone
memory will keep him here
not disappear

Lynn Harmon

January 28, 2013

May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time in your life. We all yearn for better conditions, and it's refreshing to know that God's word speaks of a time when all sorrows swill be gone and that mankind will live in beautiful surroundings with nothing to fear.-Isaiah 65:17,21-24.

Julio Alexi Genao

January 25, 2013

Thanks for being a dad when I needed one. Miss you.

January 25, 2013

So sad

Zoë Ferguson (Cooper)

January 24, 2013

To the whole Shreefter family,
My deepest sympathies, I have many a memory of Steve and all of the family. He was a highly spirited man with a wealth of knowledge and of as anyone who knew him well knows that he also had a wealth of opinions to go along with. He accomplished great things and I can't imagine anyone filling his special spot on earth.
I hope that everyone can rejoice in his life, and embrace the things he left behind. I am sending everyone a virtual hug anf kiss. My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Zoë

January 24, 2013

Steve was a very funny and lovable person. He will be greatly missed. missed.

Cousin Jonathan

January 24, 2013

Robert said it and it will always be true: I'm the president of the Steve Shreefter Fan Club, along with everyone else who ever met him. Love to all of you, always.

January 23, 2013

Azi... I haven't seen you in years and years, but keep in touch with Wendy and Robert and know what a long journey this has been.. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.. my thoughts are with you and your family.... sending you love from California. Sharon Pastori and family

January 22, 2013

very sorry to hear this, azi, hannah . steve was very special.

timon and family(amsterdam)

Les and Naomi Archer

January 22, 2013

We share your loss, and are sad with you.Truly, in such days, "The Lord IS our Shepherd"Please accept our love for you all.Le & Naomi Archer,Corpus Christi TX

Anonymous

January 21, 2013

Steve was a very special man. He kept me on my toes with our political discussions and made me laugh with his wit! I am thankful to have met him. He will be sorely missed. May God Bless him! May God give your family and loved ones comfort in this time of sorrow.