H. Stephan "Steve" Gordon

H. Stephan "Steve" Gordon, loving husband of Irene Harris Gordon, died suddenly on Monday (May 6, 2002) after spending a wonderful day with his two sons, Chris and Matt. Steve passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born in Vienna, Austria on December 4, 1922. In 1938, he fled to the United States at the age of 15. Steve attended Indiana University, where he was hired by, and fell in love with, the Editor-in-Chief for the school newspaper, Irene. Steve served in the United States Army in the European Theatre from 1942-1945. After the war, Steve attended George Washington University (J.D., 1949) and then began a long and distinguished career in the federal government. From 1949 to 1971, Steve worked for the National Labor Relations Board in various capacities, including Trial Attorney, Chief Law Officer of the Atlanta Regional Office, Director of Appeals, Assistant General Counsel, and from 1961 to 1971 as Associate General Counsel. In 1971, Steve was appointed Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Labor. In 1979, Steve was appointed by President Jimmy Carter, and confirmed by the United States Senate, as General Counsel of the newly formed Federal Labor Relations Authority. After retiring from the federal government, Steve became General Counsel for the National Federation of Federal Employees ("NFFE") where he represented the interests of federal employees by, among other things, briefing and arguing cases before the United States Supreme Court. In 2000, Steve and Renie moved to Hartford to be closer to their two sons and the rest of their extended family. While in Connecticut, Steve enjoyed his weekend visits with Matt and Chris, his nights at the opera (a life-long passion since his youth in Vienna) and meeting new friends. Steve's most recent adventure was traveling to Florida to attend his granddaughter's wedding, where he rode the Tower of Terror and the Rockin' Roller Coaster. Up to the moment he passed, Steve lived life with vim and vigor. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Irene, Steve is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Julie Gordon of Natick, MA; his son and daughter-in-law, Matt Gordon and Ruth Kurien of West Hartford; his grandchildren, Noah Gordon, Morgan Inman, Sonya Woschenko, and Jamie Kurien; and extended family and friends across the country and around the world. Steve made the world a better place with his presence. He will be missed by all who knew him, including restauranteurs on several continents. A memorial and celebration of Steve's life will be held on May 11, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. at the Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 (www.charteroakcenter.org). Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Taylor and Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the UAHC Israel Relief Fund, 633 3rd Avenue, NY, NY 10017 or to the Connecticut Opera Association, 226 Farmington St., Hartford, CT 06105. And remember: when you think of opera, think of Steve.