BORN

1935

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Everly-Wheatley Funerals and Cremation

1500 W Braddock Rd

Alexandria, Virginia

STEVE PIACSEK Obituary


Dr. Steve A. Piacsek  
Passed away on March 29, 2021, at age 85. He was a devoted husband and father, dedicated scientist, and devout Catholic. He was born May 24, 1935, in Budapest, Hungary. In 1944, he and his family fled to Austria before the Soviet occupation closed the border. When Steve was 16, the family emigrated to the United States, settling in South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and received a PhD in geophysical fluid dynamics from MIT, where he was one of the first students to rely on computers for his research. In 1963, he married Deborah Shaw from Wellesley, Massachusetts.Steve spent most of his career with the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, and its oceanographic division near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He was a branch head for several years, hiring and nurturing a young and diverse team of scientists that made significant contributions to global ocean circulation modeling. Beyond his scientific contributions, Steve was a dear friend, colleague, and mentor to countless people. He had a gift of being able to make friends with anyone. If you sat next to him on a plane or shared a compartment on the train from Milan to Rome, you might be invited to stay with him the next time you were in town, or even be offered to interview for a job. Fluent in four languages, Steve loved travel, good bread and wine, and classical music. He fostered a sense of adventure in his children by bringing them along on many of his trips to Europe for scientific conferences. The highlight of his career was the six years he spent at the SACLANT research center in La Spezia, Italy. With an apartment in Lerici that had majestic views of the coast, he never lacked for visitors. Shortly before Steve retired, hurricane Katrina demolished their house in Waveland, Mississippi, and he and Debbie relocated to South Bend. For the last few years, they have been living in Silver Spring with the family of their son Michael. Steve is survived by his wife Debbie, brothers Béla and Nicholas, sister Marika, children Andrew (Lisa), Elizabeth (Lee), and Michael (Yvette), and eight grandchildren.Steve's family will have a private interment. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held later, at a time to be determined, when friends can gather safely.

Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 6, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
for STEVE PIACSEK

Not sure what to say?





I just found out today, via the internet, that my Godfather, Steve, passed away. May he rest in peace. I have nice memories of him and my father laughing heartily over so many things.

Simas Varnas

January 3, 2022

It was always pleasure meeting Steve in the hallways or after a concluded seminar to chat about a range of topics. A true dedicated scientist and his MIT lineage showed in his command of hydrodynamics. It’s unfortunate we missed him during the lockdown and now he left us for good. May he Rest In Peace!

Ahsan Kareem

Coworker

April 12, 2021

Robin and Ravi Fernando

April 12, 2021

Steve was a family friend with such a generous heart. We loved his child-like enthusiasm for a good comic book. Our hearts go out to his family. We are with you in thoughts and prayers.

Edi Murray

Friend

April 11, 2021

Steve was my friend and mentor and he invited me many times to come to work for him in Italy and Slidell. He has a big heart, a great mind and he will be missed.

Pim van Meurs

Friend

April 9, 2021

Steve's obituary hits many of the highlights of his life and character but understates his contribution to naval ocean modeling and forecasting. In 1977 Steve was charged with creating a global ocean prediction capability. As related, he assembled and mentored a young talented team that performed the necessary research that eventually created the U.S. Navy's existing global and regional operational forecast capability. He should be remembered as the father of naval operational ocean prediction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family at this time as we remember both his endearing personality as well as his impactful scientific contributions.

John Harding

Coworker

April 7, 2021

RIP Steve.

Frank Titus

Friend

April 6, 2021

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