STEPHEN FYBISH Obituary

FYBISH--Stephen,

age 80, weather historian and teacher, devoted Columbia University alumnus, passed away on August 30, 2017. He will be missed by his brother Ira, step daughters Emily Prager, Nora Elcar-Verdon and numerous other relatives and friends.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN FYBISH

Sponsored by His brother, Ira.

9 Entries

Paula Friedman

August 27, 2024

--August 27, 2024. Even after these several years passing, the loss of Steve is still raw for many of us. He was a rarely brilliant, extremely kind, and immensely learned man, a friend who will not be forgotten. May his memory be, for each of us who knew him, a blessing.

Linda Umans

December 30, 2017

So sad. I became aware of his death because I was talking to someone about him just the other day and I thought to look him up. Even though I hadn't been in touch with Stephen in a very long time, I've thought of him often, a Paganini Apparition popping up over the years. His humor, wit, unique charm, acquisitive intelligence, enriched my life enormously. Many significant things would probably not and most certainly not have happened had I not met this character who would play his violin for me over the phone, send me postcards from his travels where every space was covered with little drawings, facts, observations, in his miniscule script. I will always see him ambling along West 93rd Street with a sheaf of papers and several books under his arm, on his way somewhere. Remembered with great, great affection.

Dimity Torbett

September 27, 2017

I'm so saddened to hear of the death of Stephen whom I met at a funeral when visiting New York from Australia in 1983. He was great fun, witty and interested in everything. If I remember rightly, he even knew the weather at Uluru in 18-- something.

I knew something must be amiss when suddenly all was quiet. My deepest condolences to his nearest and all those who cared.

Dimity Torbett ([email protected])

Norma Bernstock

September 11, 2017

Steve and I were cousins but of different generations. The last time I saw Steve, we were visiting his elderly Aunt's Upper West Side apartment and I was impressed with his kindness towards his elderly relatives, his delight in sharing stories and his great knowledge not only about weather phenomena but also about New York City's cultural scene. My heartfelt sympathy to my cousin Ira and Steve's step children who I've never met but knew of them because Steve was extremely proud of them and spoke of them often.

Rachel Brownstein

September 6, 2017

I second the sentiments of Paula Friedman--as Steve would want me to do. It was always good to see him. It's unsettling to think he's gone.

Ronald Maenza

September 4, 2017

Steve Fybish and I were childhood friends from the time we were elementary school classmates. We were founding (and only) members of the Jackson Heights Junior Astronomy Club. Our prize "possession" was a large refracting telescope loaned to us by the Hayden Planetarium. After transporting the large device via the subway, replete with tripod mount, from Manhattan to an open lot in Jackson Heights, Queens, I saw the rings of Saturn for the first time. I was a friend of Steve's as we traveled together from grade school through High School and College. Steve continued to amaze me with his knowledge, and he tried to impart some of his wisdom to me.

I was saddened to learn of Steve's passing at the end of August. My sympathy goes out to his step-daughters, who I never met, and younger brother, Ira, who I knew as a child. My hope is that the pleasant memories we have of this brilliant man will sustain all who mourn his loss. He was one of a kind, and I say that with great affection for this remarkable friend.

Ron Maenza

Nora ELcar-Verdon

September 2, 2017

I love you Stepdad and will think of you always with lots of pamphlets, books and articles at the ready to update everyone on all the cultural events and all the latest NYC weather news. You were very loved and will be forevermore...

September 2, 2017

To the Fybish Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Paula Friedman

September 2, 2017

Steve has been a caring and cherished presence in my life since we met nearly 60 years ago. He was one of the most brilliant persons I've known, a loyal friend, a warm and gentle person, witty and incredibly learned in an amazing number of fields. We shall miss him. May his name be for a blessing.

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