Obituary: Stephen David Newfield
Stephen David Newfield, 86, of Atlanta, died on Sept. 1, 2018.
On Sept. 1, 2018, an amazing man completed his final journey. Stephen David Newfield, born March 2, 1932, was a trailblazer in all facets of his life. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Steve grew up in the Bronx. After graduating from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy, he went on to serve in the Army as a 1st Lt. Medical Service Corps in DeRidder, La. Following his military service, he returned to New York to work at a large Manhattan advertising agency.
Several years later, Steve had an opportunity to become a partner in Ethical Drug Advertising, an agency that provided advertising support to independent pharmacies across the U.S. With this change also came a move to Atlanta, where Steve met and married the love of his life, Peggy Bryan Newfield. In addition to Ethical Advertising, he served as associate professor of pharmacy at Mercer University. Another strong business opportunity arose, and he became CEO of Philip Philip Mitchell Advertising, which was eventually sold to a national firm, HALO advertising.
Steve was actively involved in supporting the advertising community and held many leadership positions including president, Atlanta Ad Club; president, Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals; governor 7th district and national board of directors, American Advertising Federation.
His expansive commitment was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the Promotional Products Association and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Atlanta Ad Club. Steve gave equally of his time serving on the board of directors for Public Broadcasting, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Ravinia Club and The Temple. In addition to writing The Temple newsletter, Steve was most proud to serve for 31 years as night manager for The Temple homeless shelter. He also volunteered to teach English as a second language at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church.
As much as Steve devoted time to his professional and civic life, his true passion was the people he met on the journey. He quickly made friends with his quick wit and kind demeanor, and he carried these friendships throughout his lifetime, always expanding the circle of those he called friends. Steve never met a stranger and he loved to bring people together. Over the years, he created numerous book clubs, golf groups and breakfast clubs. He was part of bowling teams and bridge clubs. Steve was an avid reader and lifetime learner. At age 60, he began studying Spanish. Every Monday night, he and several friends participated in a Torah study group. Steve and Peggy loved supporting the arts, including symphony and theater.
On his journey, if anyone mentioned sports, it was game on. He was passionate about his teams, the Falcons and the Braves, and knew every small detail about scores and trades. Fun time included being a part of the Atlanta and St. Thomas film festivals.
Steve and Peggy had an opportunity to entertain actors/actresses Catherine Deneuve, Peter Graves, Telly Savalas, and Fay Wray. In 2016, Steve penned a book, “Goodbye Bronx,” with enough success to receive royalty checks. But above all, he loved his family. He remained devoted to Peggy for over 50 years of marriage and was beyond proud of his children, Melanie and David. He maintained a special bond with his sister, Carol, and relished being Papa to grandchildren Taylor and Colin. Describing his journey, Steve was a devoted friend, author, traveler, reader, lover of people, listener, volunteer, professor, entrepreneur, Army man, pharmacist, patron of the arts, entertainer, and sports fanatic. Throughout his life he embraced a true zest for living.
Donations may be made to The Temple. the Salvation Army, and Weinstein Hospice. A memorial service was held Sept. 7 at The Temple. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.
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