Steven Ramsdell

1943 - 2023

Steven Ramsdell
February 28, 1943 - March 22, 2023
Bremerton, Washington - Captain Steven U. Ramsdell, a resident of Bremerton, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023. He was born on February 28th, 1943 in Tacoma Washington to Judge James V. Ramsdell and his wife Jane Williams Ramsdell.
He graduated from Wilson High School in 1961. He met his future wife Gretchen his freshman year at the University of Washington. He graduated in 1965 with a history degree and a Navy Commission, then married Gretchen Giese of Seattle and moved all over the country during his 26 year Navy career.
He followed his dream of becoming a Navy fighter pilot. First, flying F-8 Crusaders in VF-13 aboard the Shangri-la; and flying the F-14 Tomcat in Squadron VF-32, Swordsmen, on the John F. Kennedy. He became the commanding officer of VF-143, the World Famous Pukin' Dogs, on the Dwight D. Eisenhower. He culminated his career as an instructor at National War College in Washington D.C., and his last 3 years, as Director of the Naval Historical Center, publishing Naval Aviation News Magazine and overseeing the exhibits at the Naval History Museum.
In August 1991, Steve retired from the Navy. He and his wife moved back to the Northwest where they built and settled in their new home in Bremerton. He taught mathematics at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard from 1995 to 2002.
He was the quintessential family man: beloved husband, devoted father to his 2 sons, and proud grandfather to his 3 grandchildren. He was married nearly 58 years. He loved doing everything with his family. Many years were spent enjoying their vacation home at Lake Gaston, NC, water skiing, sailing and rowing, as well as hiking in a number of their favorite national parks.
One of Steve's major accomplishments was the huge multi-level train layout he built in his basement, to show off all his "O" gauge Lionel trains. Steve and Gretchen had also been running together since the 70's. Once in Bremerton, they were introduced to the Silver Striders running club which they joined in 2012. From that association, they made lifelong friends.
Besides Gretchen, he is survived by his sons Steve (Michelle) and Dick (Amy) of Fairfax, VA; his grandchildren, Carling, Jack, and Sydney; his brother James V. Ramsdell Jr. (Tia); his nephews, James V. III and Charles (son Michael); and sister-in-law Marilyn Sherman.
Steve's Memorial will be held in October with a private gathering for friends and family at Sylvan Way Baptist Church, 900 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA, 98310