Stephen Simurda

Stephen Simurda

Amherst, MA - Steve Simurda passed away on Sept. 20th from the effects of longtime alcohol abuse. He was 64. He is survived by his two sons, Evan and Taylor, of whom he was very proud, and mourned by many in the Valley writing community.

Steve lived two lives. In the first, he was an exceptionally talented journalist and labor organizer. He graduated from Hampshire College in 1977 and earned an MA in journalism from Columbia University. He was a Fulbright Scholar, and taught in the UMass Journalism Department. His lectures were punctuated by a well-judged sense of humor, a quality much appreciated by his students.

He was co-founder of the Western Mass. local of the National Writers Union and of its WriteAngles conference, serving several terms as the local's president and on the national steering committee. As a freelance writer, he covered business for numerous outlets and contributed travel pieces to the Boston Globe.

Sadly, the second part of Steve's life was one of considerable hardship and distress. He was impacted by a hideous disease which he could not control. His fall was long and lonely and enormously painful, marked by courageous struggle against repeated setbacks. He is remembered as a great talent and generous spirit.