David J. Stem

DAVID JOHN STEM, USNA 1961  
Passed away peacefully at his home in Gettysburg, PA on October 28, 2010 after a long fight with emphysema. A native of Hastings, Michigan, Dave attended the University of Michigan for 1 year prior to receiving a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1961). Upon graduation, Dave attended submarine school and was subsequently stationed in USS Threadfin (SS-410) as Communications Officer and then Communications Station Norfolk where he finished active duty in 1967. Dave served in the Naval Reserves until 1978 and was Honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1967, he began his civilian career with Western Union where he worked for 18 years in the intelligence and defense satellite communications area. He joined Data Products of New England in 1985 as Director of Defense Marketing and then DENRO from 1993 to 2000 as Director of DoD Sales. He was as an independent contractor from 2000 to 2004. An avid hunter and fisherman, Dave owned the National Red Setter field trial champion in 1975 (Lee Hi Lady).Dave is survived by his wife of 21 years, the former Gloria Jean Metcalfe, of Washington, D.C.; his sister Judy; his daughter Laura and son Jack; his stepchildren Karen and George; and twelve grandchildren.A Memorial Service will be held on November 8 at the Naval Academy main chapel from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. Please send donations to the Naval Academy Alumni Association in lieu of flowers.