Stephen Edward Margolis
1950 - 2025
Stephen Edward Margolis
1950 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
Stephen Margolis Obituary
Born in New York City in 1950, Steve and his family relocated to Kettering, Ohio, when Steve was a teenager. He was an undergraduate at Northwestern University, where he met his best friend and lifelong love, Nancy Huntington, during their freshman year. They married in 1972.
In 1978 Steve earned a doctorate in economics from UCLA. He was a member of the economics department at NC State for over 35 years, serving as the chairman of the department for seven years, winning numerous teaching awards, and writing extensively in the fields of industrial organization, intellectual property, and law and economics. He also served on the faculties of Duke University, the University of Michigan, Harvard University, the University of Western Ontario, and the University of Arizona.
Steve served on several boards, including the Society for Economic Research in Copyright Issues, a post that required annual international travel; and the board of directors of the NC Center for Automotive Research.
Steve was a bicycle mechanic and racer, and an enthusiastic collector of vintage cars. He was an officer in the Midatlantic Alfa Romeo Owners' Club and an instructor in high-speed driving schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Steve is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy; children Daniel Margolis (Jennifer) of Chicago and Emily King (Quincy) of Raleigh; and grandchildren Clara and Julia King.
A celebration of Steve's life will be held Saturday, September 6 at 2:30 PM at the NCSU University Club, located at 4200 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. The family suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Stephen Margolis. Possibilities include the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina or NCSU's Park Scholarship Program, a program Steve advised for many years.
Please leave time for traffic because there is a home football game at noon on the date of the service. We have confirmed that there will be parking at the UClub. Join the family for drinks and light refreshments after the service.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jacob Burgdorf
November 21, 2025
Steve was an inspiring teacher and mentor to many, myself included. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and support while I was at getting my undergraduate degree at NCSU. He had a wonderful ability for fostering students' curiosity in and out of the classroom. He will be missed.
NCSU, Economics, 2010
Patrick R. Sullivan
September 26, 2025
I stumbled on Steve's work, along with his friend's Stan Liebowitz, on the typewriter keyboard almost 30 years ago. When I e-mailed them with several questions they were amazingly generous with their time. They never seemed to tire of discussing their work with a non-professional. We had an easy rapport that lasted over decades.
I especially loved Steve's sense of humor. I feel very lucky to have known him
Emmanuel (Manny) Jimenez
September 14, 2025
Even though I hadn't seen Steve in almost 40 years, I still remember him fondly as a wonderful colleague and close friend when we were teaching at Western together. The world is a lesser place without him. Deepest condolences to Nancy, Dan, Emily and family.
Jon Bartley
September 13, 2025
Steve was an outstanding Department Head, scholar, colleague at NC State University. He provided a strong voice for the Department of Economics. Steve will be missed by all who knew him.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rusty Mau
September 6, 2025
Dr. Margolis was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I appreciate our many discussions on economics, the workforce, and navigating a career. He had a witty style that made foundational economics topics stick. Thank you for the impact you had on me.
NC State, 2015
Jane Latta
September 5, 2025
Sending thoughts and prayers. Grateful for Steve´s help and guidance when David was working on his degrees. I know he will be missed.
Wanda Easley
September 5, 2025
Steve was a friend and an awesome guy. I loved his easy style and dry wit...and his devotion to Nancy. I miss him.
Janet Latta
September 4, 2025
We will miss Stephen so very much. He brought a smile to Edward´s and my face every day we saw him. Will miss your smile Nancy as well. Prayers and hugs to your entire family. Jan Latta, Edward and Christina.
Matt Smith
September 3, 2025
Dr. Margolis was a wonderful colleague. So wise, so witty, so committed and so respected. I will treasure the many great conversations and counsel at NC State´s business school.
Nathanael Snow
August 29, 2025
Dr. Margolis was instrumental to my development as an economist and as a person. He wrote my letter of recommendation to grad school, and another letter that helped me get my first "economist" job.
He was a great man who welcomed students and developed a great rapport in the classroom. I think of him often, and am forever grateful to him.
NCSU, BA Economics, 2008
Jeffrey Horn
August 29, 2025
Love and strength to everyone. Steve was a wonderful mentor and admirable leader. Prayers and best wishes to you.
Stacy Stowers
August 28, 2025
My prayers for your family! I will always remember your family -Stacy Stowers
Alisha McCray
August 28, 2025
Forever in My Heart
(For My Professor)
I´ll miss the quiet steps you took,
Down Brookdale´s halls, each glance, each look.
The way your presence filled the air,
With steady calm and thoughtful care.
I´ll miss the treats we used to share,
The laughter light, the moments rare.
Your wit, so sharp - a clever spark,
Your "Yeah" response, a trademark mark.
The desk feels empty, halls feel still,
But memories linger, and always will.
So keep an eye on us below,
As through this life we learn and grow.
And if you see my mom up high,
Please tell her that I said hi.
Tell her I miss her every day,
As much as words could ever say.
Forever in my heart you'll be,
A guiding soul, a memory.
A teacher, friend, now heaven's part -
Forever, Professor... in my heart.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Margolis's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Margolis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
