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Stephen Fredric Railton

1948 - 2025

BORN

1948

DIED

2025

About

Columbia University University of Virginia

Stephen Railton Obituary

Stephen Fredric Railton

August 11, 1948 - March 2, 2025

Stephen Railton, a beloved Professor of English at the University of Virginia for 45 years and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, March 2nd at the age of 76, surrounded by family.

Steve was born in Elgin, Illinois, to Arthur and Margery (Marx) Railton; he was the oldest of four children, with younger brothers Peter and Mark and sister Janet. The family moved to Halworth, New Jersey when he was a teenager. He attended Columbia University where he met Ilene Laura Fine, a Barnard University student, whom he married the day after their mutual graduation in 1970. After receiving his PhD in English from Columbia, Steve and Ilene moved to Charlottesville in 1974 when he took the job at UVa, and he lived here for the rest of his life, raising a family and making an indelible mark on the University and community.

Steve's identity and life were defined at every stage by words, writing, and literature, from youthful experiences as a high school journalist to creative writing successes in college (including multiple plays put on stage) to his many books, articles, and public scholarly websites during his long career. But he always defined his own life by family and love, and passes that legacy along to his children and grandchildren, and all those who knew and loved him, in Charlottesville and far beyond.

Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Ilene; his children Ben (47) and Annie (42) and their spouses; and his grandchildren Aidan (19), Kyle (17), Lila (10), and Owen (10). There will be a memorial service at the University of Virginia in April, details to follow; in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the ACLU will be appreciated and would make Steve very happy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress on Mar. 4, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Railton

21 Entries

Tony C

September 6, 2025

Have a seminar Prof. Railton did for ,The Great Courses, on Mark Twain. Very interesting and enjoyable lectures. Sad to hear if his passing.

Steve's NVRHS senior photo.

Wendy Wilson

May 23, 2025

I went to high school with Steve at NVRHS. He was a really nice guy and I'm sorry to hear this sad news. Nice to read about what a fulfilling life he led.

Russ Gerlach

May 15, 2025

I knew Steve well in grade school. When he ran for Eighth Grade President he handed out bubble gum with the note,"Chews Railton."He won!

Brandi Johnson

March 28, 2025

Dear Railton Family-

I'm so sorry to learn of Mr. Railton's passing. Annie and I were classmates starting at Jackson Via school. I remember Mr. Railton (and also Mrs. Railton) with their husky picking up/dropping off Annie at school or participating in something for our class. Nice man, great family. Sending my prayers and sincerest condolences to you all. Take care

Cindy and Glenn Stratton

March 25, 2025

Our sincere condolences to you and the family during this difficult time of loss.

Eileen

March 19, 2025

The world has lost a kind soul and the literary world has lost a master. As an English major at UVA in the early 2000s, I had the good fortune of taking 3 classes with him. He was simply an amazing professor and human who inspired his impressionable students to think for themselves and learn from the world around them. Years after graduating, I caught the tail-end of an interview he was giving on NRP about Faulkner and I reached out via email and we had a lovely exchange that still sticks with me. Thank you to his family for sharing him with the University for these past 45 years.

Bob Jackson

March 12, 2025

I had the good fortune to know Steve twice. I met him first when I was a graduate student in history at UVA, and then we reconnected years later in the world of Faulkner. In both settings he was an excellent mentor and friend. My ideal is people who are both great and good: great at what they do, and good as human beings. Steve was a life member of this club, to be sure. I am sorry for his family's and friends' loss, and grateful that I had the privilege of calling him a colleague and a friend.

Charles A Peek

March 11, 2025

Ever present at the later Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference to give the annual update on Digital Yoknapatawpha, the love of his later life which he so ably led. The Faulkner World, with its presence at UVA as well as Ole Miss, will surely miss him.

Kathy Smith

March 11, 2025

Dear Ilene: I was saddened to read that your husband Steve has passed away. Reading his obituary and the comments from so many of his former students, it was clear he has made an impact on many lives. May pleasant memories comfort you all in the days ahead. ( You and I know each other from child classes years ago).

Art Collier

March 9, 2025

I took a course from Steve in my first semester of graduate school, He taught me to read carefully, to write adventurously, and to explore new ideas with relish, not fear. These lessons have guided my intellectual life.
He kindly agreed to be my thesis adviser. His wide ranging scholarship and deep understanding helped me immensely, but his patient encouragement and generosity of spirit were even greater gifts.
Knowing Steve has been a true blessing and I will always be grateful.

Joy Asekun

March 9, 2025

With a heavy heart, I say goodbye to a mentor, a guide, and a truly remarkable soul. Professor Railton believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. He never gave up on me, ensuring I saw my dissertation and doctorate through, chapter by chapter, with patience, encouragement, and an unwavering belief in my potential.

He challenged me to think deeply, to revisit Uncle Tom´s Cabin and craft my own interpretation, just as he once did in his own academic journey. But beyond the scholarship, he was kind, generous, and always made me feel seen and heard. His wisdom shaped me, and his presence uplifted me.

To me, he was always Papa Railton-a name I gave him as a grad student, a name filled with affection and gratitude. His impact will stay with me forever.

Thank you, Professor, for everything. You will be truly missed.

Joy

Ray Malewitz

March 9, 2025

Steve was my PhD advisor back in the early 00s, and his kind and dedicated mentorship continues to shape my career two decades later. A scholar and a gentleman.

Carl Beckman

March 7, 2025

As a graduate assistant of Steve's for years, I learned almost everything I knew about teaching from him; and when I went on to mentor other teachers at college, I often quoted him. I learned much about Twain and Fitzgerald from Steve too, but I will cherish his memory at least as much for
all that he taught me about life and humanity. Thanks to those who shared him with us, and here's to him!

Kathi Ann Brown

March 6, 2025

I first met Steve many years ago on the trails of OHill, a popular spot for dog-walking at UVA. He and his beloved dog Riley would saunter down the main trail---never in a hurry, always happy to stop for a brief chat (Steve) and a head scratch (Riley). At some point, Steve and I finally discovered that 1) we were neighbors and 2) the friendly, fast-paced, curly-haired woman who walked past my house almost every day was his wife Ilene. What a pleasure to get to know both of them! I dearly hope that Riley and his furry successor Hershey were both on hand to greet Steve when he passed. May the trio saunter the fields of heaven together forever, delighted to be reunited.

Evan Cooper

March 6, 2025

Stephen taught Faulkner to me at UVA, and then my son. And became friends with my dad who had some exposure to Faulkner when he was in residence at UVA in the late 50s. Wonderful man and captivating professor.

Liz Courain

March 5, 2025

I was one of Mr. Railton's students at UVA in the late 70's. His classes were so lively and interesting - he made the literature we studied come to life!
With sincere condolences to the family.

Nancy and Fred Damon

March 5, 2025

Our condolences go out to Ilene, Ben, Annie and their children. It is a great loss to our community.

Ruby Burt

Planted Trees

Ruby Burt

March 5, 2025

Steve was a wonderful storyteller and I always enjoyed his company. My sympathy to his family. He is missed.

Cece and Will Meffert

March 5, 2025

So sorry to learn of Stephen´s death. We were neighbors in the 70´s on 13th Street for a short time and remember Steve and Ilene well. Our sympathy to the family.
Cece and Will Meffert

Scott Berry

March 4, 2025

I went to school with Ben his son. I first met Mr Railton I believe the night I was inducted into the National Honor Society. Later, Mr Railton would walk his dog Hershey by my parents house. He would stop to talk if he saw me visiting my parents. He would also talk to my dad dog Jackson.. My condolences to the family.

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