Stephen Francis Payer

Stephen Francis Payer died peacefully, with family present, on Sunday, February 20 at the University of Maryland Baltimore-Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie, Maryland.

He was born October 12,1938 in Allentown, PA to the late Stephen F. and Elizabeth Marko Payer of McAdoo, PA. Graduating with honors as valedictorian of the McAdoo High School Class of 1956, he was accepted into the Engineering Physics program at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. After receiving his BS degree in 1960, he worked briefly for the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company. He was commissioned an officer in the USAF in 1962 and served four years at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, where he was assigned to the Service Engineering Division of the San Antonio Air Material Area. While in Texas, he earned an MS Degree in Physics from St. Mary’s University in 1965. In 1967, he settled in Linthicum, MD where, with his wife Barbara, he raised his family and enjoyed a long career as a Physicist, with Westinghouse (now Northrup Grumman).

Mr. Payer had a deep appreciation of the natural world, especially the mountains of his beloved Pennsylvania; and, he was also a woodsman who enjoyed camping, hiking, and mentoring youngsters on outdoor skills. He took pleasure in music and was an accomplished coronet player, participating in several local bands and orchestras throughout his high school years. He enjoyed electronics and was proficient in woodworking, which graced his Linthicum home. He loved reading and delighted in poetry, and his enthusiasm for both was contagious. He was warm, welcoming, wise, and witty. Above all, he treasured his family and family gatherings, including his many pets. Throughout his forty-three years of married life, he was a committed and loving husband and father. He will be forever loved and remembered.

Mr. Payer was a member Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE), and he attended St. Philip Neri Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Payer, neé Salvaterra and his sister Mary Elizabeth Payer.  He is survived by four devoted and loving children: Stephen F. Payer, Columbia, MD; Stephanie Payer Forgo and George C. Payer, both of Linthicum, MD; and Dolores Payer Cohen, Newark, CA as well as his loving sister, Elizabeth Therese Payer, Hyattsville, MD; and by cherished granddaughters, Emily Forgo and Olivia Payer and great granddaughters Reina Payer and Aria Klaunberg.

The family will celebrate his life privately.