Steven Alcus Threefoot

1957 - 2017

Steven Alcus Threefoot, 60, of Arden, DE passed away on February 18, 2017. Born January 25, 1957 in New Orleans, LA, he was the son of Dr. Henry Kutcher Threefoot and the late Barbara Alcus Threefoot. Steven was a graduate of St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie, LA. He continued his scholarship by obtaining degrees from Northwestern University (BS Biomedical Engineering), Tulane University (MS Chemical Engineering), and University of Delaware (PhD Chemical Engineering). Between his MS and PhD, he worked as a Biomedical Researcher at MIT and started his own consulting business in Wilmington, DE. After completing his PhD, Steven joined DuPont where he continued his passion for learning and leadership for over 25 years. Working initially in polymer characterization, he lead the development of the product quality system for a novel polyester technology. Building on his product quality foundation, he applied statistically-based Project Management (Six Sigma) to improve the success of subsequent research projects, including commercialization of DuPont's first major biotech product, PDO. He shared his knowledge of project leadership and quality as an instructor, mentor, and leader of students and projects globally across DuPont and as an adjunct professor in Chemical Engineering at University of Delaware. Steven's personal value for quality and teamwork was evident in his extensive involvement with the Village of Arden. After moving to Arden in 1985, he served on several committees, was elected annually to the position of Town Chair for 10 years and continued to serve in other major leadership roles. In addition to contributing to Village government, Steven was active in the social life of the Village. He brought New Orleans food and culture to Arden by leading a "Krewe" which cooked an annual Mardi Gras Dinner for many years. He volunteered extensively with the Shakespeare Gild and the Arden Fair. Most recently, he founded the Arden Scholars Gild, a group which now embodies his legacy for scholarship. One of Steven's most cherished projects was the DuPont Clear Into The Future program which, along with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, supported a variety of environmental improvement projects and resulted in the construction of the Delaware Environmental Education Center on the Christina Riverfront. Steven's love for nature was also evident in his recreational activities which included gardening, weekday walks with the Arden Misty Morning Walkers, and Ultimate Frisbee on the Arden Green. He and his wife were long time members of Congregation Beth Emeth. Steven is survived by his wife, Kathrine Abbat Threefoot of Arden, DE; children, Alan Henry Threefoot of Arden DE and Barbara Marina Threefoot of Media, PA; father, Dr. Henry K. Threefoot (Audrey Hamill Threefoot) of River Ridge, LA; sisters, Bettie Threefoot Kaston (Jeff Kaston) of River Ridge, LA; Amy Threefoot Valeiras (Horacio Valeiras) of La Jolla, CA. He is also survived by his niece, nephews, and great-nieces, all of whom adored him. Burial in the Arden Memorial Garden will be private. Shiva will be observed 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Sunday February 26, 2017 at the Threefoot home. A memorial service will be 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Arden Gild Hall, 2125 The Highway, Arden, DE 19810. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steven's name can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (www.pancan.org) or the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 110 South Poplar Street, Suite 202 Wilmington, DE 19801 (www.delawareestuary.org). SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL CHAPEL