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Stephen Fischel Obituary
FISCHEL STEPHEN K. FISCHEL On June 28, 2008, STEPHEN K. FISCHEL, 59, of Alexandria, Virginia, died in Vancouver BC at Saint Paul's Hospital surrounded by loved ones and friends. He is survived by his longtime loving companion MaryEllen Lannon; brother, David Fischel and his wife Melanie of Idaho; nephew, Joshua Fischel and his wife, Mikiko; niece, Elizabeth Bollow and her husband, Steve. A celebration Stephen's life will be held on Friday July 25 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the North Bethesda Marriott Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, Rockville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen's name to the Wendy Marx Foundation for Organ Donor Awareness, 8262 S. Harts Mill Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 or American Immigration Law Foundation, 1331 G Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005.
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Fischel
Steven A Donlon
July 13, 2025
You are not forgotten Stephen. I remember your kindness, laughter and keen -- often with a twinkle in your eye at times mischievous -- observations. You are dearly missed.
Steven A Donlon
July 12, 2021
Just spoke with my wife about you the other day -- your cheerful attitude and your quick wit, and your love for hockey. You are truly missed my friend. Until we meet again yonder RIP.
Toni Marwitz
August 1, 2008
Visa law and regulations -- this dry, arcane subject could only have been brought to life by Steve, who not only made them understandable but turned their interpretation into his life's work. His contributions were invaluable not only to his State Department colleagues, but also to immigration lawyers and even Congressional staff members. Steve and I were colleagues in the Consular Affairs Bureau for many years, and I enjoyed his company and delightful sense of humor both there and at conferences we attended together. There is a special place in Heaven reserved for this very special man.
French Thomas
July 25, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, may God continue to comfront you at this time of sorrow and sadness. Steve will never be forgotten, such a wonderful, free spirit and fun person. Steve was a great supervisor as well as a friend for many years. His smile and friendship will never be forgot. He will always be in my heart. Your memories will live on. Love French
Richard McCoy
July 24, 2008
It is not often that a person is irreplaceable, but Steve is. It seemed like yesterday we talked and as always his irrepressable humor helped lighten a rather serious chat about the vagaries of the current climate surrounding our immigration laws. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Steve during our time together at State and the infrequent times after. I will miss him greatly. Richard McCoy (FSO-RET)
Delilia Gibson-Martin
July 24, 2008
It's hard to find the words that might bring comfort to you right now. Steve has always been that friendly outgoing person that everyone loves. I will remember him with that cool smile of his.
Deborah Meyers
July 22, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Steve's family. I will miss his kindness, his sense of humor, and his expertise, which he was always willing to share.
Tuwanna Glover
July 22, 2008
To the Fischel family, it was a great joy to had known Steve. He and my supervisor were the best of friends, like brothers, and he would often have meetings with my supervisor. Steve was a great person and like everyone has stated, his smile is what I remembered most about him. He was very gentle in words and always ready to make a person's day. He loved to joke, but was always about the business of the Department. I will never forget such a wonderful person.
Larry Mitchell
July 21, 2008
Dear Steve – You are greatly missed! From the day I first met you 11 yrs ago I knew you were one of the good guys in CA. Your honesty, integrity, sense of humor, and “down to earth” personality were present each day and everyone respected you and admired you for that. Thank you very much for your wisdom, your advice, but most of all your true friendship. Thank you for making this a better place for all of us! I think of you each day!
Your friend - Mitch
Barbara J. Greig
July 21, 2008
Steve, with his gentle manner and wonderful smile, was always available to answer my many questions as a new employee in VO. Even though I left there 12 years ago, he was still a friend and a colleague, always willing to share his incredible depth of knowlege. He will truly be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Steven Donlon
July 20, 2008
Steve touched many people's hearts and they and the world are better for it. I will truly miss him -- his infectious smile, twinkling eyes and acute wit. I consider it a blessing to have known him and to have had his support as a friend.
Karen and Greg
July 18, 2008
Coach,
There will always be a spot on the bench for you.
Alma Kaplan
July 18, 2008
Steve;
First, you took away the smiling face I always see you around with, by your retiring from the DOS. Now....you're completely gone, and I'm deeply saddened by the reality of it. I'm fortunate to have worked with you for so many years and cherish the memories. I'm sure others from up there are enjoying your smiles. May your soul rest in peace, Steve.
Ron Acker
July 18, 2008
I'm certain that many others share my great gratitude for having had the honor of being Stevie's friend, and I think that is the truest measure of his life's work. Goodbye my friend.
Yoshi Gotoh
July 18, 2008
Time passes on but memories last forever....may you always cherish those fond memories of Steve, he was truly one in a million. With our deepest sympathy, sincerely Yoshi and Kay Gotoh
Annie Weeks
July 18, 2008
steve was always a good person,
he would greet you with the most lovely smile. he will alway be thought of in my heart. God bless the family
Gene Schneider
July 18, 2008
Steve was always such a breath of fresh air and was the first to remind the legal profession to not take itself too seriously. I knew him only professionally, but he made it always seem like we were all his long-time friends. Steve, you touched many so favorably, and you will be rewarded for it. God Bless
Gloria Smith
July 18, 2008
My condolences to the family of Steve...I would like to say that he was a wonderful person to know and work with. He will be greatly missed by a lot of people.
Teresa Addison
July 18, 2008
Steve,
It saddens me still to even write this because I am still in denial, I think of all the humorous jokes you would tell, makes me smile, I'd like to thank you for being there when I really needed someone to talk to when I was going through a difficult time, you were a very good listener when I needed that ear, then you would always find the right words to say to cheer me up again. You were such a delight to have as my supervisor, I have never/thought in all my years of employment that my supervisor could/would be my FRIEND. I will always keep you in my memory.
Rachel Jordan
July 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jacqueline Morgan
July 18, 2008
Hello, my name is Jacqueline Morgan. I work for the Chicago Passport Agency. I didn't know Mr. Fischel or his family. Whenever I hear of any loss, I like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family. I will place you in my prayers.
God Bless!
Saynora Pittman
July 18, 2008
He was a kind person. I will remember his smile.
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