Stephen Michael Connair

09/10/1950 - 12/12/2025

Stephen Michael Connair, 75, passed away on December 12, 2025, in Harrisonburg, Virginia at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community after a long illness.
Born on September 10, 1950, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he was the son of Thomas Joseph Connair Jr. and Wilma Melvina McCarty. He graduated from St. Francis High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1968. Stephen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Duns Scotus College and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton. He further pursued theological studies with a Licentiate in Philosophy from Catholic University and a Master of Divinity from St. Leonard Seminary. Later in life, he completed a Master of Public Administration at Virginia Tech, and graduated from the Senior Executive Program at Columbia University, exemplifying his lifelong passion for learning.
On February 15, 1986, Stephen married the love of his life, Karen Lee Matusoff, in Dayton, Ohio. Together, they shared nearly four decades of marriage filled with travel to historical sites, religious shrines, and roadside attractions across the country. Their favorite place to visit was the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
Stephen began his professional life as a teacher, dedicating ten years to education before transitioning to federal service in 1985. He served for three decades at the Pentagon as an economist with the United States Air Force, retiring in 2015 as the Director of Economics and Business Management.
A passionate reader and historian, Stephen's huge library collection contained books on philosophy, theology and history but he had a particular interest in Revolutionary War and Civil War history. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams—Virginia Tech football, Cincinnati Reds and Dayton Flyers basketball. He was a member of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Lee Connair of Arlington, Virginia and his brother, Thomas Joseph Connair III of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents.
Steve will be remembered for his kindness, gentle manner, humbleness, deep love for his wife and the simple joys of life.
A Funeral Mass will be held on January 22, 2026, at noon at St Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church, Historic Chapel, Fairfax Station, Virginia. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Burial will be at the St Mary of Sorrows cemetery.
Arrangements are by Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, Alexandria, Virginia.
May his memory bring comfort to all who cherished him.