Stephen Patrick Newhouse

Stephen graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science & Government from University of Nevada- Las Vegas and earned his Master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in Political Science & Government. Before retiring in November 2020, Stephen took great pride in his role throughout his twenty-three year diplomatic career as a Foreign Service Officer with the US Department of State. He was dedicated to a career that offered him a wide range of opportunities during his public servant career including his work as Vice Consul at the US Embassy in Madrid, and promoting US interests in Kosovo, Iraq & Afghanistan. His domestic work in government included working with National Security Council, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, International Postage Affairs, as well as a year teaching foreign policy and diplomacy at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

As a child Stephen was wide-eyed and inquisitive about the world around him, so much so that he was always leaving his shoes behind everywhere he went. Best known for his sense of humor, kindness, generosity, intellect and sharp wit, or as Steve would say ‘whip-smart and over-educated’. Furthermore Steve had a remarkable ability to bring family, friends and colleagues together through his genius culinary skill and didn’t think twice about offering to help the people he cared for most in their time of need.

Stephen was a master of words and had a love of language and literature, he was fluent in Spanish and French and studied Farsi too. From The Beatles and Johnny Cash to Dar Williams and the Talking Heads, Steve loved music, especially while preparing a delicious meal. Steve loved talking with others, sharing ideas and thoughts about the world, always ready to engage in thought provoking conversations with just about anyone about anything that piqued his interest. Stephen also had a penchant for telling long, story-like jokes and riddles, and reading poetry; poets Edgar Allen Poe and E. E. Cummings was among his favorites.

Steve was his true self at gatherings, he relished in planning and hosting work lunches for colleagues, holidays and special occasions with family, or picnics at the park and dinner gatherings at home with friends. Stephen was an avid reader with a tenacity to read and learn about every and anything he could. Playing chess, drawing ink and colored pencil illustrations, watching college football, attending to baseball games, and preparing creative & delicious meals were some of his best-loved activities. Steve delighted in road trips, weekend getaways, and visiting historical and cultural places, finding unique experiences was always on the top of the list wherever he went.

By far, Steve’s favorite pastime was browsing second hand shops for the most wacky, unique and unusual items he could find, often gifting his great and whimsical finds to friends and family. Whether it was a thoughtful gift or an eclectic second hand item, a t-shirt, bumper sticker, a book in the mail or a home cooked meal, Steve loved to show others how much he loved them.

Steve often proclaimed "The world needs more whimsy!" and Steve’s whimsy will be so very missed by so many in this world.

Stephen is predeceased by his mother Mary [Nangle] Newhouse and his uncles John & James Nangle. Stephen is survived by his loving wife Heather Flynn; dear father James Newhouse and brothers Greg Newhouse & Scott (& Pam) Newhouse; beloved aunts Pat & Eleanor Nangle; cousins Bryan Nangle and Carrie (& Tim) Bailey and their children Carson & Emma; and many, many cherished friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life for Stephen will be held in the Arlington, VA area at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation in Stephen's name to any of the following nonprofit organizations:

• Unity Club of Falls Church, VA

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

• Cherry Tree Endowment - Trust for the National Mall