Funeral Details

Steven Eric Press was born on June 7, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY and passed away January 26, 2026 in Chicago, IL. Known as ‘Steve’ to most, he was proudly called ‘Dad’ by his twin daughters Corinna and Valerie Press. Steve was born to Paul and Helen Press and was an older brother to Jon Press; they grew up in Oceanside New York and went to Oceanside High School. Steve studied sociology at Columbia University, marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the South, and completed graduate school at University of Michigan in psychology and social work.

He dedicated his career to working with people of all ages, in community mental health and university counseling centers as a clinical director, professor, and psychotherapist. In addition to work in organizations, he maintained a private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan for over two decades. He spent several years in New Hampshire running a community clinic in a small town before moving to Detroit, Michigan to work with students and veterans at Wayne State University. He retired in 2015.

Though Ann Arbor was considered home, Steve loved Detroit. In both Ann Arbor and Detroit, he was actively involved with the community as Vice President of the Ann Arbor Stamp Club, an executive member of the Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, and a devoted volunteer for Cinema Detroit. In addition to his love of Jazz, he was an avid film noir buff, befriending fellow fans from all over the world, including members and leaders of Noir City. He was an active member of this Noir community, traveling across the U.S. to Noir City Film Festivals and writing detailed articles about Noir films with exquisite insight.

Steve was a cherished family member and friend, bringing playfulness, humor, intelligence, and compassion for whom he cared. He was married to Simone Yehuda (Barry Shapiro) for 25 years. They met as students at Columbia University and remained close and part of each other’s extended families. He was a loving father-in-law to Kenwood Yow (Valerie Press), brother-in-law to Bonnie Press (Jon), and uncle to Juliana Press and Evan Press (Abby Goode; Emmett 3 years; Ida 6 months). He loved being a part of the extended Press family. He was also a dedicated friend to many. He had a lifelong friendship with his close childhood friend, Michael Kaufman. Over the past four years he lived in Hyde Park, Chicago at Montgomery Place. He formed several close friendships, including Bernie Strauss. He was cared for by a team of devoted and gifted caregivers— Tim, Hannah, and George. While we are devastated to have lost this precious person, we find solace in that he passed peacefully. To have met him is to know that his essence was loving and good. Not a small feat in a world that can be anything but. He had an uncanny ability to remain calm, clear, and compassionate even under dire circumstances. He was an incredible role model for pursing education, justice, and joy with your whole heart.

Interment is private. A memorial service will be held this spring/summer in Chicago. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Detroit Jazz Festival, 19908 Harper Avenue, Harper Woods, Michigan 48225, detroitjazzfest.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.