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Steven Nock Obituary
A memorial service and reception will be held in Old Cabell Hall on the Lawn at the University of Virginia from 3 until 5 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2008.
He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 11, 1950, to Frank Nock and Edna Hinson Nock. Steven graduated from the University of Richmond in 1972 and received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts in 1976. He taught at Tulane University prior to coming to the University of Virginia Department of Sociology in 1978, where he taught until his death.
Steven was a beloved, respected, and flamboyant teacher of undergraduate and graduate students. In 1992 he received an All University Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. He was an accomplished scholar who published extensively in professional journals. His most significant contribution, Marriage in Men's Lives, won the 1999 William J. Goode Book Award from the American Sociological Association. He worked in the Department of Health and Human Services as a consultant on American family policy.
Steven was active in local civic and arts organizations. He served on the board of the Thomas Jefferson Area United Way for 25 years. He sang with the Charlottesville Peace Choir and the Charlottesville Oratorio Society, where he met Judy Gary. He and Judy subsequently formed the Virginia Consort, a vocal ensemble. Steven was also a member of the Church of Our Savior Choir for many years.
Aside from his many professional achievements, Steven leaves a legacy of outlandish tales and spontaneous bursts of laughter. He was comfortable talking to people in all walks of life and had a genuine interest in what they had to say. He loved landscaping, tinkering with cars, the freedom of a fast motorcycle and the smooth ride of his Corvette. He built a go-cart for his nephews and had as much fun riding it as they did.
Throughout his life and all of his medical setbacks, Steven exhibited a joie de vivre surpassed by none. Most friends and colleagues were not aware of his various health issues, which proves how selfless he was.
Steven will remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.
He is survived by Daphne Spain, his wife of 36 years; his brother, Bill and his wife, Barbara; niece, Elizabeth and her husband, Brian; sister-in-law, Marsha and her husband, Jeff Fuller; nephews, Jet and Steven Fuller.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, 2200 Old Ivy Rd., Suite 2, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or The Virginia Consort, 1658 Brandywine Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Nock
linda vardeman
February 17, 2008
my deepest sympathies for the family of steven lowell nock: steve was a forever friend. he loved everyone & made everyone feel very special in his lifetime. music was his first love. he used to whistle up & down the halls of jr high school & high school. he used to say he was going to be the greatest composer of this century. he was a joy to know & was loved by everyone. this world will not be as happy as it was with him in it. he will be missed by everyone who knew him. he was a wonderful person. i know he is in heaven singing the praises to Jesus our Lord. class of '68, linda sabato vardeman
Paulin Straughan
February 9, 2008
Dear Daphne
Both you and Steve were so much a part of my life when I was at UVa. I will always be indebted to Steve, who was my mentor and who chaired my MA and PhD Committee. Among the many gems I gleamed from his mentorship, the most significant must be compassion for students. I am so proud and blessed to be Steve's student.
In love & prayer
Paulin
Marcia and George Taylor
February 5, 2008
Dear Daphne,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though we did not personally know Steven, his presence and legacy are deeply entrenched in the prayers at RUMC. May you find peace and strength from God's grace and promise of eternal life.
Sincerely,
(friends of Marsha and Jeff)
Marjorie Marker
February 2, 2008
Dear Daphne: My heart aches for you with Steve's passing. He was such a source of encouragement and support during my time at UVa and always offered a kind reality-check when I fretted about the little bumps in life. I am proud to have had him on my thesis committee and learned so much from both of you. . . especially to appreciate life and find joy in simple things. Steve made such a dynamic impact on so many students' lives, and I am grateful to have been one of them. God bless you as you celebrate his life and keep the memories of your time together in your heart.
Katie Parkerson
February 2, 2008
As a former student at UVA, I just wanted to agree with all of the encouragements and express my deep appreciation for the influence Professor Nock in my life. His gentle spirit, sense of humor, and passion for knowledge attracted me to the field of Sociology and was a huge contributing factor for my decision to major in it. He was always available for questions or even to just chat about life. His classes were always a highlight to my day, as I could relax and just absorb the information he so calmly and yet enthusiastically shared. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and may God's peace comfort your hearts~
Bill Lockhart
January 30, 2008
Dear Steve's friends and family, particularly gracious and strong Daphne Spain --
I was shocked when I heard the news of Steve Nock's death because he was always so full of life, humming songs, telling stories, enthusiastically teaching --even the practicality of statistics to graduate students! (Yet we also knew that his health was not 100%.) I was so glad that he was on my dissertation committee and an encourager in my doctoral studies. He was an inspiration to me. I will try to live up to his model in my teaching. May the God to whom he sang praises in heart give you peace and strength during this time.
Nico Keilman, editor
January 30, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of the sudden death of Dr. Nock. We at the editorial office of the journal "Demographic Research" express our condolences to Steven's family and friends. He was of enormous help to us, acting as a reviewer for difficult papers. We will miss his support to our journal.
Christine "Buzz" Bolin
January 29, 2008
My sister-in-law,Liz,told me alot of stories about her uncle and I am sorry for your loss.
John Fries
January 28, 2008
Anyone who knew Steve, for no matter how long, can understand how inadequate any assemblage of words will be to describe him. He was, to say the least, an incredible human being. Most immediate in my mind is how as a graduate student, I witnessed time again, how Steve always had time for you...whoever you were. And his interest was always genuine. You always felt like you matter to Steve. And so, though it has been a number of years since I last spoke with Steve, I can say with the utmost confidence, that the world is a bit dimmer now without him in it. I pray that all of us who knew him, make a deliberate effort to be a little more like him going forward. Thank you God, for Steve Nock.
CEADRIC L WASHINGTON
January 28, 2008
Daphne Spain, I express my condolences over our loss of Steven. I remember the city, civic and community involvements we shared and participated in. He was very passionate about making things right, doing the right thing. I remember this about you, as well. Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the University of Virginia are better places, because of Steven L Nock's and Daphne Spain's unifying social communal outlooks. God has blessed you both.
Ali ( from Iran and now in Iran) Ali
January 27, 2008
Dear Dephane:
This is Ali in Iran. I am sorry to hear of Steven's passing. We were friends for the past 4 yeras. He sent me his wonderful book " Marriage in Men's Lives " along with many papers and one big book on " Sociology ".
Recently he sent me 3 books on Economics, as I had requested.
There are good examples to see how kind and generous he was .
Please accept my deep codolences over your loss. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Ali , IRAN
Victoria Marks
January 26, 2008
Dear Dr. Spain,
I attended the memorial services for Steve today, but did not get an opportunity to speak with you. I'm glad to have the opportunity to give you my condolences via this mechanism. I had the pleasure of taking classes with Steve, and having him serve as my dissertation chair and mentor. As I told him on the day I defended, I would have not completed my degree without his patience, interest, and unflagging support. We all will miss him, but I am sure that the loss any of us feel cannot begin to comapre to your loss. I wish you peace and solace from knowing how pervasive Steve's impact was on a wide and diverse community. He mentioned you often during our meetings [I'm a former urban planner], and I am often reminded of his unique way of putting people completely at ease. Our dissertation discussions were like biweekly meetings between friends. He continued to mentor and encourage me through emails, the last sent in November 2007. I will miss his gentle spirit and ever-present smile.
Jean/Leo Robitaille
January 26, 2008
Dear Daphne,Words can not discribe your loss and ours ,I wish we could be with you this day.Remember your in our hearts and prayers,always will be your friends ,love Jean/Leo.
Rebecca Goodwin
January 26, 2008
Like so many others who were blessed to have been a student under "Mr. Nock," I am so sad to learn of his passing. I am praying for you, Daphne, and all the friends and family - hoping that you will find deep comfort from the Lord and from knowing what an incredible impact he had on so many people. Mr. Nock was my thesis advisor and I had such respect for him -- his ability to be serious and yet humorous, his disciplined scheduled which allowed him both to do research AND to encourage so many, many students. Few professors are able to do both; Mr. Nock not only did both, but he did both very, very well! Another reason I admired Mr. Nock as a professor was that he "had a life" outside of being a professor. He was married to a good woman - and stayed married! He liked music and he sang! He left the office at night to do something else!!!! Simply put, Mr. Nock was vibrant and alive and had a zest for life that inspired many, many students and colleagues. I feel so privileged to have worked under him and to have known him.
With deep sympathy but also with joy for a life so well lived,
Rebecca Goodwin
Virginia Fink
January 25, 2008
Daphne, Steve was an important part of my graduate school experience and I will remember his kindness, generosity and intellect. My sympathy for your profound loss.
Gayle D'Andrea
January 25, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Steve was a wonderful professor and I feel truly lucky to have had him for one of my graduate classes. His class was interesting, informative, challenging, and fun! As has been said by others, I am a better person for having known him, and I am a better sociologist. He was always supportive and encouraging, while motivating us to do and be our best. When my husband had a stroke in 2005 and I needed to put my graduate studies on hold, Steve--as Director of Graduate Students at that time--helped me navigate through that process at a very difficult time in my life. His kindness and compassion during that year was appreciated so much and will not be forgotten. He will be sorely missed.
Gloria Gates
January 25, 2008
Dear Daphne
I was really saddened when I heard of Steve's passing. We started in Sociology together. It was a long time ago. I will miss seeing him in the early morning when he would park that gorgeous corvette in the lot. After reading the things written and said about him, I am truly blessed to have known him personally.
Sincerely,
Saundra Westervelt
January 25, 2008
Daphne, I was stunned to hear the news of Steve's passing. It's made me reflect on the profound influence he had on my life as a young scholar...still so much of what I do and how I do it is drawn from his inspiration. I can't imagine your feelings of loss...you were each other's best friend. We're thinking of you....Saundra Davis Westervelt
Shenandoah Titus
January 25, 2008
I am the author of an upcoming book on homeland security and the value of community partnerships. I am honored to say that Steve wrote the Forward. His contributions to our nation's security will thus live on! Thank you, good friend.
Harriet Ganderson Cohen
January 24, 2008
"What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies."(Aristotle)
Dear Daphne, family, and friends,
My heart breaks for your loss and for all of us who loved Steve so dearly, who now must bare the heartache of separation from his physical presence. We will miss his humor, empathy, and genuine interest in our lives; we will miss the way he painted life so vividly with his words, gestures, and countenance. Above all we will miss his selfless love and friendship, and the feeling of being at home in his presence.
"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." (John Leonard)
Steve was just about my oldest friend, dating back to Granby High School, where music brought us together and was a moving force in our early relationship. I must say that Steve not only loved music but lived his life musically, tuned in to everyone and everything, creating beautiful lasting melodies and memories throughout his life experiences.
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." (Anonymous)
Steve's song was one of love, friendship, community, and the art of living life to the fullest. To know Steve was to have the gift of sharing in the life of a remarkable soul. Though he was accomplished in his profession, he was foremost a great teacher of life, and he leaves behind powerful lessons about how to live one's life.
"Wherever you are, it is your own friends who make your world."(Ralph Barton Perry)
My world, our world is forever changed because of Steve, and he will be greatly missed.
A blessing for Steve:
"Oh G-d of compassion, who dwells on high, grant perfect peace to Steve. May his soul radiate splendor along with all the righteous ones of this world. May his eternal resting place be the Garden of Edan. We beseech Thee, G-d of mercy, harbor him under your protective wings, and may his soul be bound up with th souls of the living, and may he rest in peace."(Hebrew prayer)
Gene and Glenda Wilson
January 24, 2008
Mrs. Nock, we have not met, but, I feel I know Steve from my daughter's comments about him. Steve was her advisor and mentor as she pursued her PHD. I can only repeat others comments about his generosity, kindness, intellect and strength of character. He will be missed.
My daughter is: Dr, Julia C. Wilson
Anne & Derek Bedarf
January 24, 2008
Daphne, I never met Steven but as I read his obituary I felt some of the joy of his life that I know he brought to you and your family. I hope you can find that laughter during your grieving. Peace and love be with you.
Amy Monfalcone Pugh
January 24, 2008
I first encountered Mr. Nock while I was a 2nd year student, taking SOC 311 (Intro to Soc Stats). His enthusiasm, curiosity, and humanity helped put me on a path that's included 2 degrees in Sociology and a career helping others through numbers, data, and documentation. He will remain one of my favorite people.
Deborah DiCroce
January 24, 2008
Dear Daphne:
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We worked together on United Way several years ago. A truly decent human being by any measure, Steve had a zest for life that translated into a remarkable commitment to serve others--especially the less fortunate. I'm a better person for having known him. Again, my condolences.
Debbie
April Johnson
January 24, 2008
Daphne, My prayers and sympathy are with you. I pray that you find comfort in good memories of your husband and companionship through people who surround you with love and support. May God's peace be with you during this time.
Clark Larson
January 24, 2008
Daphne,
I grieve for your loss. Meeting your husband even briefly at our planner's functions always created a stir that you were such a handsome couple.
Nneka Coley
January 24, 2008
Professor Nock will be greatly missed and I am so sorry to the family for your loss. I pray that God gives you strength during this difficult time. CAS 03 - Major Sociology
Janice Fischer
January 23, 2008
Steve's death came as such a shock. I met him in the early days of Virginia Consort and was impressed by his commitment and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Darline and Daryl Burgess
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne,
I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family. God will provide everything that you need, if you only ask. I am so glad that Marsha can be with you during this time. Give each other a hug for us.
Susan Ciampa
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne~
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Steven. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Susan Ciampa
(Marsha's Friend)
Priscilla ORR
January 23, 2008
Marsha, through your updates of Steven, we feel as if he were part of our lives, also. We'll continue to pray for your family for your loss. Your memories will sustain you.
Mitch & Gene Shemek
January 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother, Bill.
Mitch and Gene
Peggy Plass
January 23, 2008
Steve Nock was an exceptional human being. Years ago, when I was an instructor at UVa, Steve was a reliable source of counsel, merriment, beauty (that gorgeous voice singing in the hallways) and irreverent academic wisdom. There's not one conversation that I ever had with him that I don't remember fondly. Because he was so alive, it's doubly hard to believe that he's dead. The world is a better place because he was in it, all too briefly. Safe travels, Steve. You'll be sorely missed.
Elizabeth Fortune
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne,
I am very saddened to learn of Steve's death. He was one of the very first people I met my first day at UVa back in 1990 and subsequently, one of my favorite people at UVa.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Deborah Shatin
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne,
I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I ahve really enjoyed knowing him and remember the wonderful dinner we had when visiting C'ville. He was always so full of life with a wonderful sense of humor. Please know Joe and I are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Deborah
Janis Conner
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne & Family,
My heart is so heavy for you. Steve always overcame his medical problems with a big smile,sparkling eyes & humor. He will be so deeply missed by everyone who knew him and the lives he touched.
My deepest sympathy.....
William Kehoe
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne: I am so sorry to learn of Steve's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and friend at the University of Virginia, a valued member of the local United Way Board of Directors, and someone who brightened the day and warmed the heart of everyone he encountered. We all will misss him very, very much. In sympathy, Bill
Nancy Collier
January 23, 2008
Daphne,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Nancy Collier and kids
John Mahoney
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne,
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was an inspiration to us all-- a wonderful friend and mentor who will be deeply missed. Please accept my heartfelt sorrow and sympathy.
John
Cathy Train
January 23, 2008
With heavy heart the loss of Steve Nock sinks in to my world – a world now much smaller without Steve. Steve approached life and living with the inquisitive nature of a wide-eyed child, the gentle and firm hand of a favorite professor, and the caring spirit of someone who knew every life mattered. And did he ever know. I count myself lucky to have known Steve and will cherish his friendship and the teachings he imparted along his way. May we all walk a bit taller and care a little more because of Steve.
Paul Amato
January 23, 2008
Over the years, Steve and I always seemed to be at the same conference together. Given our mutual research interests, it is not surprising that we eventually became friends. I loved hearing what he was up to. He was a very smart guy. And, of course, warm, funny, and upbeat. He was one of the most productive family sociologists in the country, and his work will live on for many, many years. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, students, and colleagues. It was an honor to have known him.
Jonah Chiarenza
January 23, 2008
Daphne,
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you strength in this difficult time. Know that you have the support of your students and are in our hearts and thoughts.
Anthony Pisani
January 23, 2008
I was so sad to hear about Steve's death. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. Years later, I still draw upon ways of thinking he taught me in one class and on my dissertation committee. I'm sure many others have similar stories. Blessings to you, Tony
Dick Reppucci
January 23, 2008
Daphne
Steve was a wonderful person. He was always ready to assist a graduate student on a dissertation (and he often did for my students in psychology), always had a story to tell, and was always generous, kind and supportive. At the same time, he had a towering intellect and was able to see all points of view. I will truly miss him, and I grieve for him and you.
Scott Roby
January 23, 2008
What a wonderful legacy of love, loyalty and laughter Steve leaves for each of us. He will be sorely missed.
Jack Jernigan
January 23, 2008
I cherish the times that I spent with Steve. He was a wonderful man and mentor. I learned so much from him, and I would never have finished my degree without his help and guidance. Thank you, my friend.
Kathleen Slevin
January 23, 2008
Daphne: I am so sad to learn of Steve's death. He was one of a kind. Once you met him, he was not forgettable. A wonderful guy who was warm and kind to all who crossed his path; his humor was infectious. He will be sorely missed by students, colleagues and friends. Kate Slevin, Sociology Department, College of William and Mary.
Patty DeCourcy
January 23, 2008
Daphne
I am so sorry to hear about your hsuband, Steve. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Let me know if you need anything.
Jim Wright
January 23, 2008
Daphne,
Chris and I are devastated. Steve was such a warm and wonderful part of our lives for so many years. Please know you are in our hearts and minds. With great sorrow, Jim Wright
Lennis Echterling
January 23, 2008
Steve was a wonderful human being who would bring an immediate smile to my face whenever I saw him. He was an inspiring teacher, influential scholar, and the consummate professional. More importantly, Steve was a kind and generous friend whose love of life was contagious. He was a unique person who was both a masterful story-teller and an empathic listener. His stories were often self-deprecating, so few people knew his many talents and achievements. However, even acquaintances came away from their encounters with Steve feeling enriched by his presence. I savor the many memories I have of Steve and I deeply miss his broad smile, twinkling eyes, mischievous manner, and loving soul.
Mary Lou Wylie
January 23, 2008
Dear Daphne,
We are greatly saddened to hear of Steve's death. He has always been such a good friend and has made the world a better place. We will miss him tremendously.
Mary Lou and Lennie
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