Stephen Istvan Obituary
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Born on October 2, 1950, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Paul and Myrtle (Atkins) Istvan.
Stephen dedicated his life to public service, earning a bachelor's degree before embarking on a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served with honor as a lieutenant in the United States Capitol Police in Washington, DC. He was also proud to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
On May 20, 1973, Stephen married the love of his life, Donna Christine (Roberts) Istvan, at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park. Together, they shared 52 devoted years of marriage, building a beautiful life centered around family.
Stephen found his greatest joy in spending time with his loved ones, especially his four grandchildren. He enjoyed peaceful days on the drive-on beach, outings to Red Mill Pond, and quiet moments in his backyard birdwatching - always on the lookout for herons, mallards, eagles, and kingfishers.
Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Istvan; his daughter, Kimberly Ann Swann (Todd) of Gambrills, MD, and their children TJ and Lindy; his son, Stephen "Ross" Istvan (Trisha) and their sons Silas and Cole; his sisters, Carol Istvan of Florida and Teresa Istvan of North Carolina; as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.
Family and friends are invited to visit beginning at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Mark Shutters
July 10, 2025
Donna, Kim, and Ross: I first met Steve in early 1988. I was an applicant w/the United States Capitol Police (USCP), and Steve administered my polygraph examination.
My next interaction w/Steve was in the spring of 1994. I was a Detective, and was assigned to Gallery Security, and the Dignitary Protection Division. I, along w/Buddy Mosely, and Mary Powers-Turner, were detailed to Background Investigations for ~ 5 months. Later that year, when Congress was out of session, I was again detailed there. At that time, Detective Bill Rosenbaum transferred out, and I competed, and was selected for, Bill's slot. I transferred into Background Investigations in January 1995, and remained there for 11 1/2 years.
During that time, I got to know Steve very well. He was a great friend, and excellent supervisor, and I often felt the warmth he exuded. I remember times where I'd walk into his office, and he'd be humming or singing songs - for some reason, Tom petty and George Thorogood and the Destroyers come to mind. One year, Steve also invited a number of us to your home for a Christmas celebration. I remember sitting near the gas fireplace, as well as all the food that had been prepared.
I also remember Steve's fondness for "G-man" subs from Mangialardo's, and the extra subs he'd order for those night where he, and your family, went to the Washington Capitals hockey games.
One of my most favorite memories was when Steve once approached me w/the offer to attend a Friday job fair @ the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. The afternoon before, we loaded all of our recruiting materials into Steve's vehicle. The morning of, Steve drove from your home in Crofton, to my home in La Plata, and we attended the job fair. But it wasn't the job fair that was behind Steve's motive to attend, nor the fact that I lived closest to the military base. You see, Steve's alterior motive was, after the job fair, and on the drive home, to go to Captain John's Crab House on Cobb Island. I believe we arrived @ ~ 3:00 p.m., and sat for, my best guess, 3 hours, as we ate crabs, and drank cold beer. I'll always remember the smile on Steve's face as he continued to watch me, well after he'd finished eating, as I continued to pick crabs.
When I received word from Jan McQuade of Steve's passing, both my wife, Teresa, and I were extremely shocked. It was unexpected, and we were heartbroken. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work w/Steve, but also to have been his friend.
Our thoughts are w/you during this most difficult time, and our prayers are that Steve was marked w/the sign of faith, for the quick and happy repose of his soul, and that he sleeps in the rest of eternal peace.
Mark and Teresa Shutters
Carol Kresge
July 4, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Steve´s wife, family, and friends. May he rest in eternal peace with our Lord. I had the pleasure of knowing Steve and working with him on a few projects at the United States Capitol Police. May you find peace through prayer and happiness and memories.
Det/Retired Kim Rendon
July 4, 2025
Donna, Kim, and Ross...Steve was a great leader, and friend, to us all for many years in the Background Investigations Unit. This is such a shock to hear. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I'll always break into a smile when I recall how he would come into my office and flip on the BRIGHT lights, just because he knew I didn't like them (my office was known as Kim's cave with the soft lighting). He was always being fun like that. RIP Steve...you will be missed.
Rick Pasciuto
July 3, 2025
Donna, Kimberly and Ross to learn of Steve´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I remember our many conversations regarding family and there was never any doubt that he loved you and you were his first priority.
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