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STEPHEN B. GORDON

STEPHEN GORDON Obituary

GORDON, Stephen B. Of Arlington, April 13, 2023. Beloved husband of Winifred (Kelly); and loving father of Matthew Kelly Gordon and his wife, Rhonda of Santa Barbara, CA and Jesse Vincent Gordon of Arlington. Also survived by his grandsons, Eamon and Brendan; his sister, Ruth Panken and husband, Richard of Rancho Mirage, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Services are private. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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Published by Boston Globe from Apr. 14 to Apr. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN GORDON

41 Entries

Tony Dasilva

April 8, 2024

To a wonderful man, thank you. May you Rest in Peace. Always in our hearts.

Martha Trudeau Tucker

April 8, 2024

I knew Stephen as a university supervisor for student teachers at Snowden High School. He was an exemplary teacher who valued every student while opening up the riches of literature and writing to them. As a mentor, he was devoted to the development of his student teachers, at least one of whom is still teaching at Snowden. As a supervisor and teacher of a decade, I too learned from Stephen, and very much valued his intellect and wit.

Martha Trudeau Tucker, senior lecturer emerita, Tufts

October 12, 2023

I just recently learned of Steve´s passing from a colleague at Tufts. He was an extraordinary teacher and mentor, truly a gifted individual, who gave so generously of himself and his wisdom. As a student teaching supervisor, I entered into his realm & together we mentored his interns. He loved to "talk teaching," both profoundly & practically, and not a visit went by that I did not feel enlightened by something he said or observing his interactions with students. I felt honored to have the opportunity to work with him and continue to learn myself. Your memory will live on with me and with the many, many students whose lives were enriched by you.

Denise Thomas

August 13, 2023

Dr. Gordon inspired us all to love literature. He encouraged our love of reading and wanted us to dissect everything. He never said you got it wrong, always respectful of your individual perspective and listened to his students with his eyes closed taking it all in. He was a great teacher! He will be missed but lives in the hearts and minds of any student that sat in his classroom!

Ana Salas class of 75

May 3, 2023

Mr. Gordon was an awesome teacher, my condolences to his family and friends prayers to the family he was my teacher in Copley Square High class of 1975 he will be missed.

Christine Langhoff

April 25, 2023

"And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche."
I am certain that Geoffrey Chaucer was inspired by Steve.

Steve was an exemplar of an educator - he was a role model and mentor to his peers as well as his students. When he engaged in conversation with you, the intensity of the encounter always lingered in your mind - rare in a profession where conversations are so often rushed and incomplete.

He was a joy! Thank you to the Gordon family for sharing him with us.

Christine Langhoff
Former Snowden teacher

Ruth Gordon Panken

April 25, 2023

Memorable time Steve, Richard Brother in law, Michael nephew at 80th birthday of Richard. Steve came from Boston to celebrate Richards birthday. He had many meaning conversation and contacts with Michael and Richard. He will be missed very much.

Ruth Gordon Panken

April 25, 2023

Gloria Weekes

April 25, 2023

I am sending virtual hugs and prayers to Mr. Gordon´s family during this time of bereavement. May God give you peace, and lift your heavy hearts and may the memories of Mr. Gordon allows you to wear a smile daily.

I was one of Mr. Gordon´s students at Snowden. One of my fondest memories of him was a short story assignment I completed in his class about a Lucy the mouse. Mr. Gordon made me feel like a star when I read my story! I believe that was everyone experience in his class. He was a caring human, and a passionate educator!

Steve Venizelos

April 25, 2023

I was blessed to work with Steve for a few years at the Snowden. He was a kind ,welcoming great soul of a person. I would sometimes see him on the Minutemen bike path in Arlington-always the same great smile!
May his memory be eternal,
Steve Venizelos

Jane Skelton

April 24, 2023

Dr. Stephen Gordon had such an incredible influence on my professional and personal life. His passion and scholarship for teaching others about the power of language and the written word had a profound impact on my sense of purpose as a teacher. He cared about social justice, he cared about people he knew, and he cared about his students. If you had the privilege of sitting in on one of his classes, you would observe how he skillfully engaged and encouraged each of his students to bring their observations and questions to discussions about literature and their own writing. They knew that he was listening to their every word. Stephen Gordon will be remembered by me as a beautiful person, an extraordinary mentor, and a dear friend. I will miss our conversations about teaching and the world. I will miss the sound of his laughter. My deepest condolence to his family for this loss. I pray that each of you find peace and healing over time. May he rest in peace. -Jane Skelton

Michael Panken

April 20, 2023

First- my deepest sympathy to the loved ones closest to you, Winn, Jesse, Matthew, Rhonda and your grandchildren, who have been left here on earth. As for me I am composing this letter to you as my memorial to your passing from this earth, but absolutely not from this universe.

"Garlic and sapphires in the mud Clot the bedded axle-tree"

Dear Steve, the above two lines were the first two lines of poetry I ever discussed with anyone. I was probably either 14 or 15, thinking it was summer of 1973 at Shrub Oak, I would have been 14 , and you 31. You are now gone from this world, but absolutely not gone from this universe, and those lines, have been embedded in my consciousness for 50 years. And do you know what, they are as cryptic to me now as they were 50 years ago. What is not cryptic to me is what a permanent influence, Steve you have been in my life, and more globally to the universe as a whole.

The love of poetry, the power and subtleties of language, the majesty of Shakespeare, the joy in the wonder of words, and the actual pleasure of living, are all, I believe, part of everyone you touched, and in me they thrive with a richness, I hope, does you and your memory honor. As a believer, your passing feels much more like The Divine welcoming you home. So terribly sad for us the living who for so many years have delighted in your wisdom and humor. As I recall was not "delightful" one of your favorite words? Imbued with light, really that is what you cast upon all who came into your presence- bathing them with your light so the light of their own worth, their own goodness, their own abilities to surmount obstacles could glow that much brighter. While I believe everyone is a miracle of the Divine, most people do not reflect the Devine in their actions on the planet, and most people do not find the Divine in their own being. - Steve, your life, and honestly I believe you are hearing all this in a spiritual form, is an absolute testimony to God´s grace, the fact The Divine, would place such a living miracle on the planet, has been a gift to us all.

Here are some farewell words from one of your favorite poets.

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time. Through the unknown, unremembered gate When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river The voice of the hidden waterfall And the children in the apple-tree Not known, because not looked for But heard, half-heard, in the stillness Between two waves of the sea. Quick now, here, now, always-
A condition of complete simplicity (Costing not less than everything)
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well
When the tongues of flames are in-folded Into the crowned knot of fire
And the fire and the rose are one.

Stephen Frasu

April 19, 2023

What a great teacher and more important a great person who cared about us all.

Class of 1990

Richard Panken

April 18, 2023

A beautiful soul has left all of us. Steve was the greatest listener he wanted to know what the other person was saying. He really cared. He was the teachers teacher. He had the wisdom of Socrates. As he always engaged in Socratic dialogue added on to that was a wonderful sense of humor. We spent many wonderful moments with Steve throughout the years. We will miss him immensely.
Ruth and Richard Panken
Sister and Brother-in-law

Seth Peterson

April 18, 2023

The Snowden International School community is grateful to Steve Gordon and his family for the incredible gift that was his time, love, and wisdom. Steve had a genius for making people want to learn and write. He cared so deeply and spoke so genuinely about his hopes and expectations for every mind he encountered, students and teachers alike. He was a champion of human potential and the power of reflection. He taught us how to think, which was really a way of teaching us all to value life, language, and each other. Like many who were lucky enough to work with Steve, I would not be a teacher without him, but more importantly, I would not be the person I am today without his words, wit, and love to guide me toward the better pieces of myself. His love, talent, and generous guidance will live on through so many of us who benefitted from his gifts. Teaching takes courage and conviction. It is most effective when it comes with trust, vast pools of curiosity and kindness. Steve knew, shared, and modeled all of this with grace, dignity, humor, and humanity. I will miss him terribly and cherish him always.

Marcelle R. McKenzie

April 17, 2023

I did not sit down with Dr. Gordon, but whenever I saw him in the hallways. He always had a sincere smiled, my condolences to family, friends, and students.
Marcelle R. McKenzie
Class of 1997

Randi

April 17, 2023

My uncle was a warm, loving man that always made the time to listen. He always made you feel that everything you said mattered. He influenced so many young peoples minds and he will forever be in their hearts. He is a great loss to humanity, but his influence will continue on.

Cornelia Callahan

April 17, 2023

I had the pleasure of teaching with Steve at Snowden. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Wonderful Human being.
Condolences to the Gordon Family!!!

andrei dasilva

April 16, 2023

one of my favorite teachers. his methods was amazing just like his smile.

Joanne Tisei

April 16, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the Gordon family.
Copley Square High and Snowden were very blessed to have Mr. Gordon as an educator . Not only was he a masterfully skilled writer and teacher, he was also a mentor and model for other teachers. Steve loved his craft and loved his students even more. His commitment created wonderful writers and his legacy lives on in Boston. RIP.
Sincerely,
Joanne Tisei class of 72" Copley Sq. High
teacher at Snowden

Xavier Pedroza

April 16, 2023

I remember Mr. Gordon fondly. He was one of the first teachers to believe in me before I believed in myself. He taught, encouraged, and supported me always. He was kind and gentle. I will never forget his warm smile. Those of us who had the privilege of having him as a teacher were blessed. My condolences to your family for their great loss.

Verona Haynes-Austin

April 16, 2023

Mr. Gordon was one the best at Snowden High. He made me feel like he cared.
Class of 97

Tamika Roberson

April 16, 2023

RIP another one of the great teachers at Snowden. May your family be comforted.

Lasharma

April 16, 2023

Sleep in peace. Copley high best teacher

Tony dasilva

April 16, 2023

Sad day for us all. Great teacher, but a greater man. RIP Mr.Gordon. Thank you, G´D Bless your soul.

Ruth Panken

April 15, 2023

Kenita Anderson

April 15, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Gordon was one of my favorite teachers at Snowden. He allowed his students to be creative as their authentic selves. He was such an inspiration and will be missed.

Class of 1996

Myreon Reeves

April 15, 2023

To a wonderful teacher who always kept a smile

Yesenia Castro

April 15, 2023

Mr. Gordon was an amazing teacher and will be missed by many.

Dale and Lorna Peterson

April 15, 2023

Sincere condolences from the entire Peterson family;
Mr. Gordon mattered so much to so many people.

Nahir Torres

April 15, 2023

Dr. Gordon was one of a small handful of high school teachers at Snowden who treated his students as whole people, whose feelings, thoughts and lived experience mattered. From all the work he put into Ink on Fire, the school's literary magazine, to the way he invited young people to find their creative voice, he made every day in his class a joy. My condolences to his family on his passing. He will be greatly missed.

M.A. Garcia

April 15, 2023

Mr. Gordon was a phenomenal teacher who taught me, a student teacher, so much. He really *saw* kids, and they felt it. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

Richard Stutman

April 15, 2023

Stephen was an outstanding teacher, mentor, and colleague to those of us who have worked in the BPS. He was dedicated and caring to his profession and to those who relied on him for advice and guidance. I never taught with Stephen, but saw him in his interactions with colleagues and friends. He was admired by all of us, and he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. In reading the comments here from his former students, I am touched-but not surprised-of their admiration and respect for Dr. Gordon. May he rest in peace, and may we all treasure his memory.

Simone Santiago

April 15, 2023

Thank you Mr Gordon for believing in me when I didn´t believe in myself. My deepest condolences to your family.

Renee Stacey Welch

April 15, 2023

Mr. Gordon was an amazing teacher, and he will be missed by many.

Tamiko Neal

April 15, 2023

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gordon. He touched so many lives and made an impact with his teachings. He taught and inspired my writing style. I learned from him what being able to tell a story through writing does for the soul. His creative writing class was just that, an exploration of your mind, thoughts and experiences putting pen to paper. Thank you Mr. Gordon for your talks, teachings and constant feedback on the work of your students. You were an amazing man with a kind gentle heart and left a legacy behind. I hope your family finds peace, joy and love knowing the difference you made in so many lives. You will be missed. Rest peacefully Mr. Gordon, job well done.
Tamiko Neal

Kim Helmboldt, class of 93

April 15, 2023

You were such a kind, caring man. You really loved teaching and it showed in every lesson you taught. You'll forever be remembered, Dr Gordon. Relax In Paradise

Maura O'Toole

April 15, 2023

Mr. Gordon was the teacher who taught me to write. He was also the teacher who did creative things in his classroom in a way that engaged students and made us want to do our work. He was the first teacher I had who arranged the student desks in a circle, and he sat right with us. I´ll never forget one assignment where each student brought in a song to analyze- the music was as diverse as the student body, and Mr. Gordon analyzed each one with the class. I grew up and became an educator in Boston Public Schools, and I would bump into Mr. Gordon when he did professional development for teachers as part of Write Boston. I loved seeing from and learning from Mr. Gordon as an adult because he still created lessons that were engaging and that made you want to do the work. Mr. Gordon saw his students and helped them grow as learners and people and his legacy had an impact on so many of us, and for that I am endlessly grateful.

Dr. Edward W. Welch

April 15, 2023

Having taught with Stephen Gordon at Snowden International High School I found him to be a dedicated teacher and a person who never compromised his ideals. That´s why he was admired.

Richard McFeeters

April 14, 2023

This man opened my mind to creative writing and exploring myself with words.

Billy Marsden Jr

April 14, 2023

Rest In Peace Dr. Gordon! You inspired SO many students to express themselves in their work during your classes and in doing so made us all better people!! I enjoyed our discussions we had after class about music and the "lyrics in music" classes you taught during "`minimester"!! Thank you!!!!

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