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1945 - 2018

BORN

1945

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home - Silver Spring

11800 New Hampshire Ave

Silver Spring, Maryland

STEVEN GARFINKEL Obituary

STEVEN GARFINKEL
On Monday, September 24, 2018, Steven Garfinkel, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Tillie Garfinkel. Devoted father of Laura Klaiman (Jeffrey Klaiman) and Ken Garfinkel (Katie Wethman). Beloved grandfather of Kara and Eric Klaiman. Cherished brother of Rita Bierman (Noah Bierman) and the late Larry Garfinkel (Judy Garfinkel). Survived by many loving family members and friends. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 27 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, 9304 Adelphi Rd, Adelphi, MD. Family will receive visitors on Saturday, September 29, between 7 and 9:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Albert Einstein High School - Theatre Department, Kensington, MD. Arrangements by Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, Inc. under Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington Contract.

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Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for STEVEN GARFINKEL

20 Entries

Elena Malaga

October 16, 2018

I am incredibly sorry to hear of Mr. Garfinkel's passing. He was an extraordinary figure, and his playful yet kindhearted attitude will always be remembered. His impact on his students alone could be seen by the many people who would come back, year after year, to write on his "happy to see..." wall. I only hope that it can be agreed upon by those who knew him that he was, in fact, right.

October 8, 2018

On behalf of the American Society of Access Professionals (ASAP), we are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve, who was a great friend to ASAP. Steve was a familiar face to ASAP audiences in the 1990's and the early 2000's. He spoke frequently at ASAP's training events on classification, declassification issues and the implementation of E.O. 12958. He always presented passionate views on the subject matter, providing an amazing, educational experience for all in attendance. Steve was always incredibly generous with his time, and fun to work with. We will miss him.

Claire Shanley

Mark Zaid

October 2, 2018

I am very disappointed to hear of Steve's passing. I first met him around 1989-90 when in law school and had the honor of speaking at his retirement ceremony. He was a true icon in the field and will be missed. Condolences to his friends and family.

Laura Kimberly

October 1, 2018

I am saddened to hear of Steves passing. He was a wonderful boss and human being. I learned so much from him, not just about national security policy but how to be a better person. He had a tremendous sense of humor; he was innovative and creative in a sometimes mundane and arcane area of policy. When he retired from Federal Service, he left a vacuum that could not be filled. But his next act was even betterteaching young high schoolers, which I think was his true calling. We have lost an amazing man, but his legacy will live on through his family and in ways yet to be realized. Thank you, Steve, for all that you have given us! To your family: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. In deepest sympathy, Laura Kimberly

Raviv Levone

October 1, 2018

We're all gonna miss you so much, Mr. Garfinkel. And we wish you were still here to remind us how dumb we all are. You were - and remain - a paragon of Einstein. Much love.

Victoria Martinez-O'Reilly

September 29, 2018

Mr. Garfinkel, you were a wonderful person full of humor, honesty, and love. No matter who it was, your door was always open for us at AEHS to come and go. Having a teacher like you, who cared so much even after we graduated, was a blessing. You had this ability to make learning engaging with games, funny comments, and amazing life lessons that actually felt relatable. You have helped me and so many others more than you could ever know. I still remember the last time we spoke. You were so excited and proud to find out my friend and I wanted to be teachers for young children. At first you joked stating, YOU (looking at me) a TEACHERgood lord those poor children! Once the laughter passed you grinned that soft toothy grin, reached both hands out and said, That is wonderful Miss Martinez-OReilly. The world needs more GOOD teachers who care like you and Miss. Eckhardt! Knowing you had so much confidence in my abilities gave me some as well. I am sure that all knowing smile gave many others confidence as well.

Ryyana Rodriguez

September 28, 2018

Mr. Garfinkel saw passion and potential in his students. He never gave up on us. I have been blessed to be his student. He made such an impact in my life, he will never be forgotten.

Miss Rodriguez

Annie

September 28, 2018

You were an amazing teacher and taught me skills that I could apply to real life circumstances. I will always remember your kind heart and youthful humor. Thank you for being such a wonderful human being.

Philip Calabrese

September 28, 2018

I am saddened by the passing of Steve. We spoke over the phone several months ago, planning a luncheon date. I worked for him for over 25 years, during a period when the government's classification program was being revised. He was a central force in modernizing this national program, still in existence today. He was a major figure in my life. Dear Tillie and family please accept my condolences.
Sincerely,
Phil Calabrese.

Bill Leonard

September 28, 2018

While I had the honor to follow in Steve's footsteps as ISOO Director, from the very beginning I recognized that I would never be able to fill his shoes, especially with respect to his many contributions to the well-being of our nation. As with his retirement from Federal service, Steve's passing from this life has left a tremendous void, yet his legacy lives on. May his family and friends find comfort and solace in his life accomplishments.

September 28, 2018

With deepest sympathy as you remember Steve.
Doris Washington, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Susana Molina

September 28, 2018

I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Garfinkel during my sophomore & senior year of HS at AEHS. Mr. Garfinkel, thank you for always believing in your students, even when they did not believe in themselves. You will be missed dearly.

With love,

"Miss. Molina"

September 27, 2018

To the Garfinkel Family,

May God's promise at Hosea 13:14 and the treasured memories of your beloved Steven, bring you great comfort.

Renee, Va

Noah Habenstreit

September 27, 2018

Echoing the sentiments of all Einstein H.S. alums who were lucky enough to know him: Steve Garfinkel influenced, shaped and inspired countless students, myself included. He was revered by students from all backgrounds and walks of life because of how deeply he cared about all of us and how strongly he wanted the best for us. I think everyone in the Einstein community knew how special he was. He went above and beyond for me and he did the same for so many of his students. In the last correspondence I had with him (too long ago, unfortunately), he wrote that he was fortunate his life had gone on a lucky streak, and that he knew mine would be the same. He wanted that for all his students, but I know if I turn out as great as Mr. Garfinkel it won't be about luck - it'll be because I was fortunate enough to have great role models like him.

Tammy Glasser

September 27, 2018

Mr. Garfinkel was a wonderful teacher who inspired so many students. My daughter loved his Law class so much that she looks for every opportunity to learn more. He will truly be missed.

Shaun Western

September 27, 2018

I had the great pleasure and privilege of working with Steve for the past 10 years at Einstein High. Steve had many wonderful traits that he demonstrated on a daily basis at Einstein. He was caring, bright, and witty and would often share his wisdom on politics and life in general to both students and colleagues. He will be truly missed by those of here at Einstein. He was a gentle, compassionate man who was a positive influence for all who were fortunate to know him.

Ron Pierce

September 27, 2018

My daughter Jessica loved her Human Geography class with Mr. Garfinkel, so much so she asked to be his student aide the following semester as a senior. He made a positive and indelible impression on many young people, quite a legacy.

Roger Denk

September 27, 2018

It was my honor to have known Steve for many years. He was a monumental man, a man of great honor and integrity. His sense of humor, combined with his brilliance, made him a joy to be around. Steve's legacy will endure forever in my mind.

September 27, 2018

My daughter was fortunate to have him as an NSL teacher at Einstein. One of her favorite classes and 3 years later, still reminisces.

September 26, 2018

Steve I loved you and will miss you greatly. You were a great Husband, Father and Grandfather. Your memories are forever in my heart and soul. Love Sue

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