Steven Shulman

Steven Shulman passed away at the age of 84 surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles on December 8, 2025. Steve leaves behind a legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy and he will be remembered for his humor, loyalty, generosity, and the joy he took in gathering people together.
Steve was born and raised in the Bronx and would reminisce about the small town feel that his neighborhood had at the time. As a teenager, he would work weekends at his family's clothing store, the famous AJ Lesters on 125th Street, that drew patrons from all over New York - exposing Steve to the world of possibilities that lay beyond Morris Avenue.
After graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology (B.S. '62, M.S. '63, Hon. D.Eng. '02), Steve built an extraordinary career. He began at Burnham & Co., then joined Wheelabrator-Frye and later the Signal Companies, where he led some of the most innovative corporate deal making of the 1980s. In 1984, he founded The Hampton Group, becoming an investor, advisor, and board member to companies across the United States in industries ranging from manufacturing and aerospace to food supply, real estate, and medical technology.
But Steve's impact extended far beyond business. He was deeply engaged in civic life and a passionate participant in New Hampshire Democratic politics. He followed every race and every primary with relish, appreciating the intimacy and immediacy of New Hampshire's political culture. Even in his final weeks, he joked with characteristic dry wit about the disappointment of not getting to take part in "just one more election cycle." Civic responsibility, he believed, was not optional; it was a lifelong duty.
Steve's philanthropy reflected the values that guided his life. At Stevens Institute of Technology, he served as a trustee and vice chair of the Board, and he endowed the Steven Shulman '62 Chair for Business Leadership, supporting research and education in digital innovation and strategic leadership. In honor of his late first wife, he created the Pamela Shulman Professor of European and Holocaust Studies at the University of New Hampshire, a testament to his commitment to history, memory, and moral scholarship. He also endowed the Pamela Shulman Center for Jewish Education at Temple Israel in Portsmouth the synagogue his family attended for many years reflecting his deep dedication to Jewish life, learning, and the community that helped shape his children's upbringing.
For all his accomplishments, Steve was happiest at the head of a full table whether surrounded by the loud, loving, boisterous chaos of his family or enjoying a post golf meal with close friends at Hillcrest. He was very funny, with a dry wit and a gift for storytelling. He loved golf, travel, a good drink, and the company of the people he cherished. He traveled the world, built friendships across decades, and lived life with curiosity and delight.
Steve married Pamela in 1967, and their nearly forty years together shaped him profoundly. After her passing in 2005, he was fortunate to find love again with Annabelle, with whom he shared joy, companionship, and a life grounded in family, travel, and connection.
He was the devoted father of three sons and one daughter, and the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, a role he treasured above all others.
Steven Shulman's life was defined by leadership, integrity, humor, generosity, and an unwavering belief in being active in one's community. His legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened, the people he mentored, the communities he supported, and, most importantly, the family he loved.
SERVICES - His Funeral will take place on Sunday December 14, 2025 at 10:00 am at Temple Israel, 200 State St., Portsmouth, NH. Interment to follow at Temple Israel Cemetery, Portsmouth. In Lieu of Flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Families First - Greater Seacoast Community Health Centers: https://getcommunityhealth.org/how-to-help/donate/
Arrangements in care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH.