Steven Russell Troxel

Born on July 10, 1965, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Steve grew up in Norwood, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. He graduated from Norwood High School in 1983 and attended American University in Washington, DC, where he earned a BA in Finance and International Studies in 1987.

Upon graduation, Steve secured a position at Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, Virginia where he worked for more than 28 years. While there, Steve served in a variety of positions—from loan officer to marketing director—and was eventually promoted to Vice President of Lending Services.

Together with Timothy W. Spencer, his partner of 27 years, Steve traveled the world visiting Japan, India, France, Egypt, and Turkey among other destinations. Steve and Tim established their home in Alexandria, Virginia, and over the course of their relationship built a large and diverse network of friends. The couple also supported a variety of causes and organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Alexandria Historical Society, the National Building Museum, the Institute of Classical Studies, and the Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association.

For over 17 years, Steve dedicated his time and energy to support his local community. He served as a board member of Northeast Citizens’ Association, Alexandria, Virginia, advocating on behalf of his neighbors.

Outside of his career, Steve was a strong supporter of the humanities with keen interests in history, architecture, and preservation. As a researcher and editor, he collaborated with James M. Goode, PhD, (former curator of the Smithsonian Castle) on two publications: Washington Sculpture (2008) and Capital Houses (2015).

In addition to Tim Spencer, Steve is survived by his sister Marcella Johnson, brother-in-law Ralph Johnson, (both of Milford, Ohio), brother Kenneth Troxel (Cincinnati, Ohio), and nephew Roger Johnson and his wife Beverly. Steve also leaves behind three goddaughters to whom he was exceptionally close: Mia Lewis (Stanford, California), Chloe Lewis (Washington, DC), and Ava Jones (Arlington, Virginia).

The public viewing will be held on Thursday, January 14, from 6pm to 8pm at the National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia. A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 16, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Virginia, followed by the burial at National Memorial Park, Falls Church, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Steve to one of the following organizations: Dream Project, Arlington VA, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Building Museum, Washington, DC.