Stephen Paul Oxenrider

Stephen Oxenrider passed away August 12, 2024 following an almost 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve was born March 5, 1950 in Millersburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Millersburg Area High School in 1968. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bloomsburg State University in 1972 and a Master’s degree from Temple University in 1978 in English as a Second Language (ESL). Steve moved into a mobile home in the middle of an Amish farmer’s field near Honey Brook, Pennsylvania on January 6, 1973, then moved to nearby Manheim, Pennsylvania in June 1973. Steve taught Spanish and ESL at New Holland High School in New Holland, Pennsylvania. In 1975, he moved to Northern Virginia - first to Alexandria, VA then to a house he bought in Lake Ridge, VA. Steve taught ESL in Fairfax County at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School.

Enamored with Spain since a summer studying at the University of Madrid during his senior year at Bloomsburg, Steve spent 3 years living in El Ferrol, Spain, tutoring Spanish citizens in English and returned to the US in 1982. Steve taught ESL for 35 years in Arlington, VA, first at Kenmore Middle School for a year, then Swanson Middle School until retirement in 2007. In 1998, Steve was chosen as Teacher of the Year for Arlington Public Schools, the first ESL teacher to receive that honor. Following his retirement, Steve volunteered at the Arlington Career Center. On January 6, 2010, Steve was married to longtime companion, Tom Jones in Stamford, Connecticut and celebrated in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Besides teaching ESL, Steve had a number of passions. First was James Bond films, accumulating a vast collection of memorabilia beginning in his high school days. Amusement parks (particularly roller coasts) and travel were also his passions. All 3 interests often overlapped in visiting over 80 countries; trips often included stops at James Bond film locations and amusement parks. Steve is survived by his partner of 52 years, and husband of 14 years, Tom Jones of Arlington, VA; his brother and sister-in-law, Stacy & Sandy Oxenrider of Millersburg, PA; his niece, Ashley Oxenrider and great-nephew, Wyatt Schaffner of Millersburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s memory to either The Lustgarten Foundation (Pancreatic Cancer Research), The Trevor Project (Crisis Support Services for LGBTQ+ Young People), or Dream Project (Support of Immigrant Students).

A memorial service (celebration of life) will be held for Steve Oxenrider at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia on Monday, September 16th from 5pm to 7pm. All are welcome. Time and date for memorial service in Millersburg, Pennsylvania will be announced at a later date.