Harold E. Stepp

1932 - 2021

Harold E. Stepp

VIRGINIA BEACH - Harold E. Stepp, 88, passed away on September 10, 2021, after falling ill with the COVID virus.

Born November 5, 1932, Harold grew up in Black Mountain, North Carolina. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Nellouise Donoho Sams. They enjoyed 63 years together until her passing in 2017. Their life together was filled with fun and travel, and they visited over 43 countries and islands. Long before their own retirements, Harold and Nellouise were already deeply involved with the local senior citizen community and maintained very active social lives.

Harold's career began when he enlisted in the United States Army and was based at Redstone Arsenal where he worked on the US Army's Redstone missile program. After leaving the Army he worked for ITT Gilfillan, working on radars. During this time the family moved to California, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia. Following his employment with ITT Gilfillan Harold transitioned to civil service, working with the United States Navy. He and his family moved overseas to Neu Ulm, Germany and upon returning to the states, settled in Virginia Beach where he eventually retired. Harold had a long and successful career working as both a defense contractor and a Department of Defense civilian with the Naval Sea Combat Systems Engineering Station, where he retired in 1994. He was a valued mentor to all who were privileged to work with him.

Harold was a loving father who supported his children in whatever endeavors they undertook. He believed in hard work, living honestly, helping those less fortunate and, of course, enjoying life. He was a father and a friend you could rely on, no matter what. His word was golden. His eternal optimism and welcoming personality were contagious to all who were fortunate enough to have met him. He made friends everywhere and, up until his death, stayed very active and involved in his community. He was an interesting conversationalist and always eager to learn new skills, even taking up texting, and learning to use emojis in his eighties so that he could stay better connected with his grandchildren. He particularly liked the emojis! Harold truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. We are all richer for having had him in our lives.

Left to cherish his memory: his daughter, Deborah S. Kirkpatrick, and her husband Charles E. of Virginia Beach; son, Harold E. Stepp, Jr., and his wife Janet, of Melbourne, FL; granddaughter Erin Kirkpatrick of Virginia Beach; grandson Ian Kirkpatrick of Tampa FL; granddaughter Jenny Stepp of Virginia Beach; grandson Ben Stepp and his wife Samantha Stepp of Winter Garden, FL; and great-grandson Drew Stepp of Winter Garden, FL.

In an effort not to further spread the COVID virus, and out of respect to others who may be currently struggling with this illness, no public memorial service will be held at this time. However, the family hopes to be able to hold a celebration of life at a later date and time. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff on the COVID floor at Sentara Virginia Beach General for their care of Harold during his last days. These individuals are working tirelessly to care for those stricken by this cruel illness. Finally, the family extends their sincerest thanks to the excellent staff at First Colonial Inn, where Harold truly felt at home and enjoyed the last several years of his life.