Mark Alden Sternheimer

1929 - 2024

Mark Alden Sternheimer

Mark Alden Sternheimer, of Richmond, born December 21, 1929, in Richmond, VA, the only child of Nathan and Hazel Sternheimer, died October 1, 2024, at the age of 94.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Anne Young Sternheimer; and his son, Mark Alden Sternheimer Jr. He is survived by five children, Patricia Anne Sternheimer, Zach A. Sternheimer, Jane Lynne Sternheimer-Johnson (Henry Johnson Jr.), Ross Andrew Sternheimer and Dale Allison Sternheimer; and also by his grandchildren, Lavinia Lindsay Johnson and Nathan Walton Johnson. He is also survived by nephew, Dr. Reginald Young and his wife, Eugenia Young and their children, Massie Lee Young Bailey and Patrick Scott Young.

Mark grew up and lived in Richmond his whole life. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He started college by attending the University of Richmond in 1947. Later, in honor of his mother who was a Professor teaching the Harp at the University during WWII, Mark founded the Hazel Ione Moses Sternheimer Endowed Scholarship for Music at the University. He later became a member of the Quatrefoil Society for gifting at the highest level.

Mark transferred to the University of Virginia and was an exceptional student where he lived on the lawn. He earned his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950. He met the love of his life at UVA, Anne Young Sternheimer, who graduated from the School of Nursing that same year. They were married for 50 years until her death in 2003. Mark and Anne both had strong ties to the University their whole lives. They were avid supporters of the Athletic Department as well as the School of Nursing. Together they created many endowed scholarships which have benefited hundreds of students and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Mark received his commission into the United States Marine Corps on the same day he graduated from the University of Virginia. He was a member of the First Special Basic Class at Quantico prior to being deployed to Korea where he served with honor and was promoted to rank of Captain. Mark was a proud Marine and became lifelong friends with his classmates from the First Special Basic Class of 1950 including Sen. John Warner.

He learned the meaning of giving back after returning home having served in combat, Mark made it possible by sponsoring his Korean interpreter to come to the US and study. Mark helped him to attend the University of Virginia where he went on to become a success in business, raised a family of his own and lived the American dream.

Mark joined his father, Nathan, in the family business, A&N Stores which was started in 1868 in Richmond. Mark became the President and owner and expanded the business which he ultimately grew to over 60 stores throughout Virginia until 2008. Mark also served as the Director of Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers.

Mark was an avid pilot and flew for over 60 years. He was instrumental in the creation of the Richmond Aviation Museum and remained a board member of the Virginia Aviation Historical Society. With his tenacity and the help of Neil November, a lifetime friend, they obtained one of only 32, SR71 jets for the Museum. The SR71 is now displayed in the Science Museum in Richmond, VA.

Mark was an original benefactor, board member and Emeriti Trustee of the VCU School of Engineering and was a member of the Founders Society. After the creation of the School of Engineering, Mark saw a need for the Senior Engineering students to participate in a competition for the best new engineering design with commercial applications. He was a founding member and funded the Capstone Design Competition to further this endeavor.

For their generosity and community mindedness Mark and Anne together received the Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities in 1997.

Mark and Anne saw a need in for the Jewish Community Center to have a pool for children and the Family Activity Pool was made possible through their generous donation.

Mark was passionate about politics and was engaged with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Sen. John Warner for many years. He worked with Governor Allen and was appointed to the Israel Advisory Board. Mark and Anne traveled with Governor Allen to Israel to represent Virginia as members of the Board.

Mark and Anne were lifetime members of Congregation Beth Ahabah. As a final gift Mark left an endowment to the Congregation to support the Congregation for many years.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, October 7 at Bliley's- Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, at Congregation Beth Ahabah. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Virginia School of Nursing, online at nursing.virginia.edu.

Also, the family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the nursing care givers particularly Wanda James, Yolanda Bullock, Chinmnso Makinde, Chidinma Peters and Sandra Payne and doctors, Judith Browne, Robert Mitchell, Craig Vranian, William Morgan and W. Clifford Hendrix for their support and care.