Stephen Thomas “Steve” Phillips
April 4, 1944- January 2, 2021
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on google
Share on email
Share on print
Stephen Thomas “Steve” Phillips, 76, of Owings passed away January 2, 2021. He was born April 4, 1944 in Washington DC to Clinton Woodward and Ethel Catherine (Lynch) Phillips. Steve was raised in DC and graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School. He later attended William and Mary University where he played the clarinet and graduated with Bachelor’s degree in sociology. Steve married Ann Rechsteiner in 1976 and they lived in Fairfax Village before building their home in Owings in 1980. He was employed as a computer programmer with the Census Bureau for many years, retiring in December of 2003. He was a member and primarily the pitcher on the Census Bureau softball team. Steve was a very handy person and enjoyed fixing things. He also enjoyed reading and being a part of “The Book Club”, watching TV, especially old movies, cooking, car magazines, and motorcycles.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Ann Rechsteiner Phillips of Owings and brother James Woodward Phillips and his wife Constance of Champaign, IL, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private graveside service will be held at Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk.
Condolences
Sort Comments
5 Jan 2021
2:14pm
Memories of Steve – He loved Ann more than anything in the world. He was smart as a whip and could recall almost anything. He was one of the most organized people. He was kind, gentle, and funny. He loved taking pictures and always got double prints. He was a good cook. He knew the lyrics to most songs. He had a huge collection of 45 records. He was a good Uncle, a loving husband and a great brother-in-law. He will be missed. We love you Steve.
May happy memories help you at this time. Sending love and hugs. Barbara and Poul Hansen
City
Sandwich
State
Massachusetts
5 Jan 2021
3:37pm
Steve, or Uncle Stevie as he was known to me, had one of the most amazing minds- he could remember the most interesting facts and had a gift for palindromes. I remember as a kid asking him for a random fact or quizzing him about a certain song on the radio and he was always quick to answer! I also will always have fond memories of his love of fanny packs, Uncle Stevie, you’d be happy to know Fanny packs are once again the “cool thing!” A lot of my fondest memories growing up include Uncle Steve and Auntie Ann, from our many trips, one of them literally around the world, to weekends at the farm fishing and Steve taking lots (and lots.. and lots.. ) of snapshots to document it all! Every time I pull up to the farm I picture Auntie Ann and Uncle Steve standing at the top of the driveway, waving, (sometimes next to a wooden cow with a Hawaiian Lei but that’s a different story!) with the most genuine smiles. I will also always treasure our dinner dates when I was living in Baltimore. As a poor graduate student Uncle Steve and Auntie Ann used to bring me groceries and take me to different restaurants once a month, filling my fridge and my stomach, with usually enough food ( and left overs) to get me through until their next visit! If theres one thing I know its that Uncle Stevie was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by many.
City
Barnstable
State
Massachusetts
7 Jan 2021
7:59am
Dear Ann, Love and prayers are sent to you on your loss of our beloved Steve. He was indeed the shining member of
The Book Club where you and he hosted colossal meetings to discuss our books. Gatherings at the Farm will never be forgotten, as they included local field trips and exceptional meals. Steve’s generosity knew no bounds. His limitless memory enhanced all of our discussions. You are both a part of an endearing legacy. Please keep well and take comfort in your many happy years together. Kathy
City
Ocean View
State
Delaware (DE)
7 Jan 2021
5:24pm
(Great)Uncle Steve was a kind and caring man who had a marvelous sense of humor. He was an avid photographer (“photo op! photo op!”) and world traveler with a quick wit and an easy smile. Soft spoken and friendly, loving and intelligent only begins to describe him. He was a special man who showed immense love for his wife (Great) Auntie Ann and his family and friends. My time spent with Uncle Steve has left me a better person. We love you Steve, God bless you and may you rest in peace.
City
Kiehi
State
Hawaii
8 Jan 2021
10:52am
Dear Ann,
Although my social occasions with you and Steve and were few in number throughout the years that you and I were special educators in Prince George’s Schools, I always felt a close bond with Steve because he had a way of being open and inclusive, and I looked forward to our get togethers; his wit and humor so endearing! You have my heartfelt sympathy, Ann, and may time gently heal your sorrow.
City
Cheverly
State
MD
8 Jan 2021
9:56pm
Ann, so sorry to hear of Steves’s passing, he was a great patient. Rest easy, Steve💔. Susan (Dr Sterner’s office)
City
MD
State
MD
10 Jan 2021
9:45am
Ann
Steve was certainly a bright, witty, and gentle man. From the times when he would come and take care of our cats, to the times at the post office and other community encounters , he was positive and engaging despite his health difficulties. You had a oneness together. It was always Ann and Steve. We will continue to remember that oneness as two people dedicated to each other and the love you shared.
Steve will be remembered with warm thoughts and we be there for you now and in the days to come. Love and condolences
Sarah and Dennis
City
Owings
State
Maryland
10 Jan 2021
1:18pm
Dear Ann,
It has been a pleasure to know Steve. He was one of a kind. Upon meeting him, he left a lasting impression through his dry wit, his sense of humor and his vast store of knowledge. Steve had a kind disposition, was always interested in what I had to share and was a great listener. I will remember him and you as a team in The Book Club that was willing to research all angles of the books we read and present us with extravagant experiences related to the themes of each book. I have fond memories of our Book Club weekends at your farm. His absence will be greatly felt by all of us. Please know that I’m here to support you.
Love, Kathy
City
Greenbelt
State
MD
Sort Comments
Memories of Steve – He loved Ann more than anything in the world. He was smart as a whip and could recall almost anything. He was one of the most organized people. He was kind, gentle, and funny. He loved taking pictures and always got double prints. He was a good cook. He knew the lyrics to most songs. He had a huge collection of 45 records. He was a good Uncle, a loving husband and a great brother-in-law. He will be missed. We love you Steve.
May happy memories help you at this time. Sending love and hugs. Barbara and Poul Hansen
Steve, or Uncle Stevie as he was known to me, had one of the most amazing minds- he could remember the most interesting facts and had a gift for palindromes. I remember as a kid asking him for a random fact or quizzing him about a certain song on the radio and he was always quick to answer! I also will always have fond memories of his love of fanny packs, Uncle Stevie, you’d be happy to know Fanny packs are once again the “cool thing!” A lot of my fondest memories growing up include Uncle Steve and Auntie Ann, from our many trips, one of them literally around the world, to weekends at the farm fishing and Steve taking lots (and lots.. and lots.. ) of snapshots to document it all! Every time I pull up to the farm I picture Auntie Ann and Uncle Steve standing at the top of the driveway, waving, (sometimes next to a wooden cow with a Hawaiian Lei but that’s a different story!) with the most genuine smiles. I will also always treasure our dinner dates when I was living in Baltimore. As a poor graduate student Uncle Steve and Auntie Ann used to bring me groceries and take me to different restaurants once a month, filling my fridge and my stomach, with usually enough food ( and left overs) to get me through until their next visit! If theres one thing I know its that Uncle Stevie was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by many.
Dear Ann, Love and prayers are sent to you on your loss of our beloved Steve. He was indeed the shining member of
The Book Club where you and he hosted colossal meetings to discuss our books. Gatherings at the Farm will never be forgotten, as they included local field trips and exceptional meals. Steve’s generosity knew no bounds. His limitless memory enhanced all of our discussions. You are both a part of an endearing legacy. Please keep well and take comfort in your many happy years together. Kathy
(Great)Uncle Steve was a kind and caring man who had a marvelous sense of humor. He was an avid photographer (“photo op! photo op!”) and world traveler with a quick wit and an easy smile. Soft spoken and friendly, loving and intelligent only begins to describe him. He was a special man who showed immense love for his wife (Great) Auntie Ann and his family and friends. My time spent with Uncle Steve has left me a better person. We love you Steve, God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Dear Ann,
Although my social occasions with you and Steve and were few in number throughout the years that you and I were special educators in Prince George’s Schools, I always felt a close bond with Steve because he had a way of being open and inclusive, and I looked forward to our get togethers; his wit and humor so endearing! You have my heartfelt sympathy, Ann, and may time gently heal your sorrow.
Ann, so sorry to hear of Steves’s passing, he was a great patient. Rest easy, Steve💔. Susan (Dr Sterner’s office)
Ann
Steve was certainly a bright, witty, and gentle man. From the times when he would come and take care of our cats, to the times at the post office and other community encounters , he was positive and engaging despite his health difficulties. You had a oneness together. It was always Ann and Steve. We will continue to remember that oneness as two people dedicated to each other and the love you shared.
Steve will be remembered with warm thoughts and we be there for you now and in the days to come. Love and condolences
Sarah and Dennis
Dear Ann,
It has been a pleasure to know Steve. He was one of a kind. Upon meeting him, he left a lasting impression through his dry wit, his sense of humor and his vast store of knowledge. Steve had a kind disposition, was always interested in what I had to share and was a great listener. I will remember him and you as a team in The Book Club that was willing to research all angles of the books we read and present us with extravagant experiences related to the themes of each book. I have fond memories of our Book Club weekends at your farm. His absence will be greatly felt by all of us. Please know that I’m here to support you.
Love, Kathy