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Stephen Eisenberg Obituary

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of our beloved son, brother, cousin and friend, Stephen Jay Eisenbert, formerly of Roanoke, who passed away in New York City on March 24, 2011. In his 33 short years, he was a shining beacon of life and vitality who was taken from us too soon. Born in Roanoke, Steve was raised in Richmond and attended Douglas Freeman High School, where he was a star pitcher on the baseball team and medalist on the golf team. After graduating UVA, Steve spent the next eight years in Germany, where he excelled in public relations, working for Hill & Knowlton. He was instrumental in bringing the 2012 Olympics to London. He returned to the United States and most recently worked for Ruder-Finn in Manhattan. In the last few years he struggled, without complaints, with a progressive neurological condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In spite of this, he worked tirelessly for his clients and was an advocate for Fight SMA, lobbying congress to pass legislation to help fund research for this disease. He will be dearly missed by his parents, Dr. Elliot and Ann Eisenberg; his best friend and sister, Abby; his grandmother, Helen Talbott; uncle, Mike Berbert; his aunts, Tanya Berbert and Sallie Eisenberg; his close cousins, Samantha and Graham Berbert; as well as a host of friends and colleagues. Anyone who met Steve was not a stranger for long, after looking into his deep blue eyes and being captivated by his magnetic smile. A private service was held for Steve in Roanoke, where he was laid to rest with his loving maternal grandparents, Meemaw and Honey Berbert. If you wish to honor Steve's life and memory, please send a contribution to Fight SMA.org and help continue the fight to eradicate this disease.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Mar. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Eisenberg

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Lauren Cooper

March 25, 2024

Your sweet, kind, handsome brilliance will never be forgotten!

Lauren Cooper

March 22, 2019

I will always remember STEVE as a precious little Boy. I was there the day you were born and as on that day you brought so much joy into the World as you continued to do through your short life!!!

Stefan Ment

May 26, 2011

Today I was informed by a former H&K colleague that Steve had passed away. My deepest sympathy to his parents and all that loved him. It's a tragedy that Steve had to go that soon. I met him at an Irish Pub in Fulda and basically talked him into the job @H&K. I know he had a good time there. I will never forget the way he smiled. You will be missed, Steve! Stefan Ment (Berlin/Germany)

Cherry

April 12, 2011

Dr. Eisenberg and Ann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Though Stephen and I had never met, I felt as though I knew him...he was one of a precious, dear and loving family. With Deepest Sympathy.

Cynthia Cortez

April 12, 2011

I am sorry to read of the loss of another victim to SMA. I did not know Stephen. But from what other guests have written, I'm sure he wil be greatly missed. SMA also took my daughter, Nicole,13 years ago at the early age of 12 years old . She too had a witty sense of humor :)

Shelley Simon

April 10, 2011

Dearest Elliot and Ann
So much feeling, yet so few words suffice. I am so sad to learn of your loss and can't imagine the depth and breadth of your pain. I trust that your relationship with each other, family and extended family/friends will be a source of strength/comfort in the days and years to come, as well as the deep knowing that your son lived a vital, loving, and meaningful life--so clearly he is an inspiration to so many.
My love and prayers are with you both,
Shelley

Tim and JoAnn

April 9, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers, always.

April 7, 2011

My deepest sympathy. Steve has left us far too soon and the world is poorer for it. I will remember the good times we shared and how he made us all laugh.
David (Brussels)

Armin Erkens

April 7, 2011

Although I have never worked together with Steve on the same client or project, I remember him dearly has a colleague who was always supportive and friendly - with a lovely sense of humor and a gorgeous smile. What I remember most is a long talk which we have had (sad enough, it probably has been the only long talk we have ever shared). It was about Cuba and Hemingway. He told me about his dream, to visit Havana on the paths of Hemingway. And the way he talked about it was incredibly vibrant and engaging. And this is the memory I want to keep of Steve.

Christian Simon

April 7, 2011

I met Steve when I was working as a student in Anja's team some seven years ago and we liked each other from the beginning. Steve had a witty sense of humour and I recall situations wherein we laughed about the same stupid jokes for at least the tenth time. Steve supported me thoroughly and gave me guidance whilst my early working days. I learnt a lot from him, especially how to stay relaxed in busy times. Besides, he shared much inside knowledge with me in our former Hill & Knowlton network which was priceless and funny at the same time. I will always remember Steve for his brilliant sense of interacting with the people around him. He made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

All our deepest condolences are with you and your family. We never met - but Steve spoke a lot about you. His family ment a lot to him. I hope that he was always able to get that across to you.

Anja Schlicht

April 7, 2011

Steve was working in my team and it was always a pleasure working with him. He was always so helpful and it was unbelievable how fast and how brilliantly he learned German. It was not possible to distinguish him from a native German. There is one sentence I remember. I quote this sentence quite often. It is surely not Steve's invention but it showed what a positive attitude he always had towards his job, tasks in general and to the people surrounding him. He said: there are no problems, there are only challenges. You know, we Germans sometimes tend to be very skeptical and critical - so this was just a very good contrast. And I always have Steve in mind when thinking of that. But not only did we work together and did quite some good jobs (you know probably that we were even awarded with one of the most relevant PR awards for a job we did for easyJet and where mainly Steve was responsible). We also became friends. He was very funny and in our team we laughed a lot. And: Steve was very sensitive and had a very good understanding of social interaction. He always knew how people really felt. Steve will always have a place in my heart. I remember him.

Justin Morgan

April 5, 2011

Rest in peace buddy. We had great times together in Richmond, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, Tuscaloosa, and Charlottesville. You will not be forgotten. Justin G. Morgan

Lauren Cooper

April 5, 2011

I think next to Steve's immediate family, I was the next person to have the honor to meet him. I will never forget his smile and laugh and that wonderful magnatic personality that was his and his alone. There will be a true void always and may he rest in peace. With love to his family and may they find peace in his memory.

Marcellus and Sylvia Easter

April 4, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Gerard Mignone

April 4, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Stephen's passing. I worked with him at Ruder-Finn and we bonded over Isagenix. He told me how his father got him started on it and how his father came to dinner with two almonds and a drink. Stephen was such a nice person. My prayers go out to the entire Eisenberg family.

Chris

April 2, 2011

My deepest condolences - Steve was a great colleague and friend and will be in our memory forever

Tom and Sue Roselle

March 31, 2011

I am am so deeply sadden by your loss. My son and daughter are with the same age group and can only begin to imagine the depth of your pain. Sue and I hope that the gentleness of God's love guide you through this time of saddness. Our love, and prayers are with you.

Tom Roselle

Hilda Jones

March 31, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the Eisenberg Family during this time of sorrow. We will lift you in prayer and please know that we are here for you.
God bless you and keep you in his care.
Deepest Sympathy,
Carl and Hilda Jones

March 31, 2011

Dear Ann and Elliot,
One of the most difficult things is to express saddnes of the death of one's child, to his parents. Although I had never met Steve, I do know his wonderful parents,,so he must have been a GREAT person. My heart goes out to you and so does my love...Myra Beller

Katia

March 31, 2011

What a sad news. I've been working with Steve in Brussels and we had the opportunity to share some good laughs. Steve was full of empathy, always ready to help and be there for the others. 33 years is really short but I'm sure he managed to seed lots of grains in people's heart.... All my thoughts are with you all. Best, Katia

Tom Gasparoli

March 30, 2011

I got to know Steve fairly well in just the last year or so, but knew him a little as a tyke...as Ann was a dear friend of ours in childhood -- right across the road on Windsor Road.

As a younger adult, I could glance out our living room window during my visits home and see little Steve playing joyously on the Berbert's driveway...when Ann was in town.

I am so saddened, as we all are. I found Steve an extraordinarily dynamic person, deep thinker and remarkably giving, genuine man. I was so taken with him...from the very moment we first talked.

My, but how he embraced every day.

To Ann and her family - and Steve - I send love and prayers...always.

Tom Gasparoli

Glen Hodgson

March 30, 2011

It is with great sadness that I learned of Steve's passing. A great guy who was always ready with a joke and always wore a smile. The world is a poorer place without you, Steve.

All my thoughts are with Steve's family at this difficult time.

Simon

March 30, 2011

This is indeed a very sad day. I was fortunate enough to work with Steve in Brussels , he had a talent to cheer the team up and make us laugh with his fantastic sense of humour, even in stressful or difficult times. He will be deeply missed. My sincerest condoleances and thoughts to Steve's loved ones.

Norma and Stephanie

March 30, 2011

From Hunters Woods Art Department, we send our condolences and our thoughts to your family.

mich peters

March 30, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all durning this time and always. We are so sorry to hear about Steve. We love you, Mich & Randy

Jane Royal

March 30, 2011

I echo the words of my eldest son, Louis. We are broken hearted by the loss of Steve. There are no words of comfort to be offered beyond, he was and will always be loved... A bright and shining star. I take solace in that he is most likely hitting a baseball or a golf ball in Heaven....with Honey and Meemaw watching on..... to quote mom: "Feel our arms wrapped around your shoulders.
janie royal

Oliver & Stefanie Aust

March 30, 2011

We are infinitely sad about Steve's sudden passing. Steve had been a real friend ever since we worked together closely six years ago. He had a wonderful personality, tons of charisma and a big heart. It was impossible not to like him, and his friends here in Europe will sorely miss him. Only two weeks ago we were in touch, making plans for the future, and his sudden passing came as a real shock.

Our thoughts are with Steve's family.

Anja

March 30, 2011

This so sad message just made its way to Berlin. I am so very sorry and my deepest condolences go to Steve's family. We met in Berlin and we worked together for some years. I will always remember him.

Linda Gilmore

March 30, 2011

Ann, Elliot & Abby... I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Linda & David Gilmore

March 29, 2011

Dear Ann

March 29, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers for your family are sincerely shared at this time. Please know that we stand at the ready should you need us for anything. With fondest love.

Akin & Treska Smith

March 29, 2011

Ann and Elliot
I am so, so sorry. I remember the day he was born and how proud you were. I will pray for all of you.
Love you,
Connie

Penny Tolley

March 29, 2011

Abby, We are so sorry to hear about your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Penny & Matt Tolley

Andrea Zimmerman

March 29, 2011

Deepest condolences from the Zimmermans.

Sarah Van Auken Hulcher

March 29, 2011

It has been years since I have seen Steve, but it seems like yesterday we were all dancing the Twist in the talent show at Tuckahoe Elementary. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to his family. He will be missed.

anna koehler

March 29, 2011

Even though I never met him...I felt like I knew him from all the crazy stories Elliot would tell me backstage while getting ready for our show. The best line "Dad even Brando couldn't of been likable with your role." He had such tremendous insight, intelligence, and grit. I always thought about how he managed in NYC knowing that traveling could be difficult. I thought about my time in New York and how we like to not appear to be vulnerable in that city. What guts to do what he did in his life and never back down when times were tough and people were mean. He is definitely and inspiration for so many. I am saddened by this loss. I pray for your strength and may God continue to wash the sorrow from your hearts and pour in a new found joy of sweet memories of Stephen.

Will Abbitt

March 29, 2011

I first met Steve in elementary school and instantly noticed how gregarious he was. I remember attending a party at his house in the 6th grade, and it was there that I played my first (and only?) game of "spin the bottle". When I briefly took up golf as a hobby, I played several rounds with Steve, who really outshined me but still gave me many useful tips. The last class I took with Steve was a creative writing class in our senior year, where we worked together to come up with a short comedy skit. I haven't seen Steve in over 15 years and was shocked when I received an e-mail informing me of his death. My heart goes out to all of his loved ones. You will be missed, my friend.

cliff axtell

March 28, 2011

Miss you

March 28, 2011

Ann, I love you & send a special prayer your way. Your family always meant so much to me. Love, Clay Whitman Morrissett

Deb & Don Waltzer

March 28, 2011

We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our loving thoughts and prayers go with you, always.

Barbara Levine

March 28, 2011

I am so saddened by your loss. Although I recently met your sweet son, I could see a bright young man and it breaks my heart to have heard such sad news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may you find strength from family and friends and all who knew and loved Stephen.

Kate Luttrell Hight

March 28, 2011

Steve was one of the funniest and smartest people that I have ever known. I can't even count the times he had all of us in hysterics with his hilarious comments and impersonations. He had a gift of humor and kindness to match. I am so lucky to have been able to call him a friend. I wish his family peace and comfort during this time.

Katherine (Wilkinson) King

March 28, 2011

I knew Steve in high school, and can honestly say I remember him exactly as you have described. My prayers go out to all who knew him and have lost him, may you find strength in knowing how "big" he lived while he was here.

Ashly Richards

March 28, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I remember him well from Freeman, and he was a source of great laughter and intellect in the classes we shared. My love goes out to his family, especially his sweet sister Abby. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jason Norton

March 28, 2011

As a friend of Steve's growing up, I could not remember a time with him that I didn't spend laughing or just listening to anything he had to say. We grew up playing little league and high school baseball together. He will be greatly missed!!

Anne Marie (Hastings) Glasscock

March 28, 2011

I went to school with Steve, but haven't had contact with him since. It still hits me hard and breaks my heart for those he left behind.

Liz Cerrato

March 28, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our little baby, Julian, nine weeks ago. He was only 7 weeks old. We miss him every day! You were blessed with him in your life and being able to enjoy him during his 33 years here with you. It still doesn't help to ease the pain and sorrow but it's all that we can do, is try to remember their short memories with us. That's what I try to do every day but it is very difficult and still very sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will always be in your heart. You can read about our loss on my blog: www.foodjules.com - I created it in honor of our Julian.

Sallie Eisenberg

March 28, 2011

I may not be there in person, but I am there in spirit. I'm still having trouble accepting this,but you know I love you all and will be in touch. I'm so glad I got to know Steve as the wonderful man he was.

March 28, 2011

My heart and prayers go out to each of you at this most difficult time. Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing Steve, his love, warmth and intelligence exude from the few details here. May your beautiful memories give you the needed strength in all the day ahead. Your friend, Glenda Greenhouse - Norfolk Hadassah

carol Thompson

March 28, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Laurie Platt

March 28, 2011

I offer my sincere condolence and deepest sympathy on your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers and the comfort in knowing that your loss is felt by many, help you through this difficult time.

Louis Davidson

March 28, 2011

I was so sorry to hear about Steve. It was a huge surprise to us in Charlotte. He was a shining star taken to soon. From the Davidsons in Charlotte.

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