Stephen Owen Mathews

A beloved son, brother, nephew, and grandson, Stephen left us too early, for reasons we do not entirely understand. He was a joyous and deeply caring man, endlessly curious and open to the world, and he touched many of us who were privileged to call him our friend.

Stephen grew through the years in his communities at Ricks Center for Gifted Children, Kent Denver School, and Pennsylvania State University. From the age of five, when he took his first fencing lesson, he loved to raise his sword high and step on a strip; he spent roughly ten years of his life competing on the national level. At Penn State, he was a Division 1 saber fencer until forced to resign from the team his junior year, due to head injuries. He loved relaxing with his Phi Psi fraternity brothers, and majored in political science with a minor in sociology.

Stephen worked during the summers as a legislative aide in the DC offices of Brownstein Hyatt, as an intern for Senator Michael Bennet, and as a research assistant at the Potomac Institute’s International Center for Terrorism Studies. He was deeply interested in foreign affairs and politics, and intended to pursue a law degree.

Steve’s greatest gifts, however, remain with us. He was a compassionate, loyal, wickedly funny, and generous friend who adored his family. He taught, and gave us, so much.

Stephen was deeply interested in and supportive of concussion research. In lieu of flowers, we’d like to suggest a donation to the Concussion Legacy Foundation. https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4212493