STEVEN M. UMIN

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STEVEN UMIN Obituary

UMIN--Steven M. 73, died peacefully February 19, at his home in Washington, D.C. after a long fight with Frontal Temporal Degeneration (FTD). Born January 28, 1939, he was raised in the Bronx (NYC). Valedictorian of New Rochelle High School, NY; graduate of Yale University (Summa Cum Laude, Valedictorian, 1959), Rhodes Scholar, Oxford University (1959-1961), Yale Law School (1961-1964), Law Clerk to Chief Justice Roger Traynor, California Supreme Court (1964-1965), Law Clerk to Potter Stewart, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States (1965-1966), Attorney at Williams & Connolly, Washington, D.C. (1966 - 2004), Deputy Counsel, United States Senate Subcommittee on the Judiciary, Member - Central & Eastern Europe Legal Institute, Member - Advisory Committee, United States Court of Appeals, Public Member - United States Delegation Vienna Conference on Helsinki Treaty, Board - Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, and Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown Law Center. Steven Umin will be remembered as a lawyer of exceptional talent whose bold intellectual curiosity, humor and incisiveness underpinned his numerous academic and professional achievements. He was a warm, compassionate, and loving person whose loyalty to his family, friends, and colleagues, to Camp Mooween, Yale, and the New York Giants, touched all and will never be forgotten. Steve's support of the New York Giants was instilled by his father, who took him to his first game when he was four-years-old. Despite living in Washington, D.C. for 42 years, and working daily with Edward Bennett Williams of Williams & Connolly, owner of the Washington Redskins, Steve's dedication to his home team never wavered. He is survived by his loving wife, Candace R. Umin, and loving family, his daughter, Courtney of Washington, D.C., his sister, Gail Massot of Arlington, Va., and his niece and nephew, Randa Massot of Paris, France, and Olivier Massot of Arlington, Va. The Family will receive visitors at Gawler's Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, D.C. 6:30 - 9:00pm, Thursday, February 23, 2012. A Memorial Service will be held at Washington Hebrew Congregation, at 2:00pm, Friday, February 24, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steven's name to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) in support of research.

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Published by New York Times on Feb. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for STEVEN UMIN

Sponsored by The Massot Family.

11 Entries

Professor Sherman Cohn

July 7, 2015

I knew Steve as a teacher at Georgetown and as a lawyer. In each capacity, he excelled. Moreover, he was an outstanding individual, always being there for any student who needed help or just wished guidance. My condolances to his family.

Michael Harris

March 30, 2012

I am saddened to hear about the death of Mr. Umin. I met him during a program at Williams and Connolly for minority students going to law school. He was very supportive and an inspiration for making it through law school. I was searching for him to thank him for all of his support when I saw that he had passed. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and I thank you for sharing such a great person with the world.

Mike Rosenthal

February 28, 2012

When we were in 9th grade, Steve was already known as one of the smartest kids in the class. His outstanding intellectual powers – ability to grasp concepts quickly and apply them – were apparent in every class he attended. He was a modest kid, not self-conscious – yet he also knew he was special.

It was in our social studies class that I first became aware of Steve's drive for integrity and high academic standards. Our teacher, Mr. Charles Russell, in order to instill in us the value of reading newspapers, would have one of us lead the class each week to review local, state and national happenings. As you might suppose, Steve's hand was always raised to offer an explanation or some insight into “current events” no matter where they took place, or who was involved. He was involved, he was intense, and he really cared. It was obvious that whatever Steve chose to do in life, he would be successful.

When it was my turn to lead the class, that is, to introduce a particular topic, I made up my mind to call on those kids who usually didn't get a chance to speak. So I would introduce the topic, for example, of how Washington was spending money on some effort, and the kids were expected to raise their hands to expand on that topic. So, topic after topic, Steve would raise his hand – be the first one to raise his hand, mostly. Yet, true to my intention, I would call on anyone and everyone else to speak. Soon Steve began to wave his hand to get my attention, and half stood out of his chair to make his point. But I half-whispered over the heads of the less enthusiastic kids that I would call on him in a minute. That time never came because Mr. Russell stopped the session just before class ended.

As the kids were clamoring to get out of the classroom, Steve came up from behind me and sternly wanted to know why I hadn't called on him. I apologized and explained that he always gets to speak, and I wanted to give that opportunity to others. He gave me a long look, said nothing and walked away, never to speak of it again. It never came between us.

Of course there was no advantage in participating every week during current events. Mr. Russell certainly wasn't tracking students like Steve. And conversely, impressing the teacher wasn't Steve's purpose. In a class that was beyond the core interests of most of us, he demonstrated a profound, intellectual and personal relationship with the world outside our narrow classroom, and a lifelong commitment to intellectual honesty and professional rigor that gave him a seat next to the top practitioners in his chosen profession.

More than a classmate, Steve modeled how to “do” school – for those who were paying attention. And set an unfailing standard for anyone, like me, who had limited educational precedents at home.

I have always had him in my thoughts, and he will remain there – gratefully.

Lael Yudain

February 26, 2012

Dear Candy, Please accept my deepest sympathy. Steve was a wonderful, amazing, bright, successful, generous, and warm person. I smile when I think of him and his energy. I recall the story of your meeting Steve and the friendship that unfolded (across the miles) which eventually led to marriage (Steve knew what he wanted). I hope your warm memories will sustain you in time. Death is just so final. Time is the only thing that really helps, not easing the pain but learning to live with it. I enjoyed working with you for a brief time and miss seeing you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Maurice Joseph

February 23, 2012

I was surprised and saddened to see Steve's obituary notice in today's New York Times.

I was a close friend in The Bronx in Grades 5,6 and 7 until Steve moved to New Rochelle. The world was much more spread out then and we didn't have today's technology (or cars) so we didn't stay in touch but I can never hear the music to My Fair Lady without thinking of that day in Steve's apartment when two thirteen year olds thrilled to an LP recording of a show which had just opened.

I was glad to read of Steve's lifelong passion for the New York Giants and hope he was able to enjoy this year's Super Bowl victory.

My heartfelt condolences to the family.

February 23, 2012

Dear Candy, Pari and I are very sorry to hear of Stev's passing and pray for him and wish you and Courtney patience and good health. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. Shahram and Pari Sharafi

February 23, 2012

Remembering only the early years of high school, and living near Steve with our many conversations, I can mostly relate to his deep seated drive to excel. He was even at that time, a man with a focus to the future and no doubt successful in his endeavors. A good life !!!
Don Katz, Los Angeles

February 22, 2012

My friend-in-laughter for 60 years...
..an inspiration for what is right..
..so glad I visited with him several times in Washington over the years.
'Robbie' Brown - Minneapolis, Minn.

diane nelson

February 22, 2012

Dear Candy: I just spoke with Doreen and am saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Courtney, Matthew, and your family and friends will be with you to help you recall his loving spirit and generous ways. God's grace surely shines upon him in a place of peace. Lots of love. God bless. diane

Ruth Sikes

February 22, 2012

On behalf of our NRHS Class of '55 our deepest sympathies on the loss of our shining star.

Personally I am so sad to lose such a fine, intelligent and warm friend. He will be missed.

February 22, 2012

Steve was a kind, generous friend, a man of flawless character and integrity.

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