Obituary of Dave Stein
August 31, 2023
David Stein, aged 57, passed away on August 31, 2023 in NYC.
From Mathletes in Massapequa to the hardcore scene at SUNY Albany to Fordham Law Review, an illustrious legal career focused on supporting musicians, and a dedication to animal rights, Dave moved through life with focus and determination, never letting chronic health issues slow him down or get in his way. He was a tenacious warrior with an indomitable spirit, inspiring others with his conviction, fortitude, generosity, kindness, and positive mental attitude.
Dave was straight edge, a vegan, a lover of hardcore and reggae, a teller of countless jokes, a pun generator, a vintage video game collector, an avid MMA fan. An influential member of the early New York hardcore scene, he put out several classic and impactful releases on his record label Combined Effort. His work with Sick of It All, Agnostic Front, Portugal. The Man, Taking Back Sunday, and Madball amongst others brought him such joy. He reveled in finding new vegan products, in putting together thoughtful gifts, in fine tuning contracts until they were loophole free, in throwing balls in his backyard for Tug and B to fetch, in seeing live music, in discovering and sharing obscure TV shows, in helping whenever and wherever he could.
Dave loved his wife beyond words, his rescue dogs, making people laugh and fighting his fights from the bottom of his soul. His wife Teresa, sisters Elissa and Erica, brothers-in-law Jon and Michael, niece Izzy, nephews Jack, Ian, and Gabriel, his brother from another mother Sean, his extended family, Dirk, Jonathan, Steve, and Opie, and his many other adored friends will continue to cherish all he brought to this world and will never stop missing his fierce bright light.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tamerlaine Sanctuary. They need a new cow fence: https://impact.tamerlaine.org/give/222233/#!/donation/checkout
The service will be streamed on Zoom at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88219210954?pwd=Q2pxaVpPTFpMM1k0S2wvODNOemN3Zz09
Meeting ID: 882 1921 0954
Passcode: 183438
+16469313860,,88219210954#,,,,*183438# US
+19292056099,,88219210954#,,,,*183438# US (New York)
Funeral Services
Memorial Service
September 15, 2023
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Greenwich Village Funeral Home
199 Bleecker St.
New York, NY 10012
Get DirectionsShare a Memory
The Obituaries are currently being upgraded. Please contact us to report any issues.
Dave was one of the most generous people I have ever met. I was privileged to share moments with him, Teresa, and "the boys" whenever I visited. Walking the dogs, going to favorite restaurants, or eating in, he always had an interesting perspective of things or a fond memory that he brought to life so vividly that I had the impression I was actually there with him. He was an inspiration and will never be forgotten.
Posted by: Marcos Prado - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Friend September 15, 2023
Growing up in Albany NY in the 80s would have been completely different and far less interesting without Dave Stein and his collaborators. He was the tallest pillar in our all-ages music scene and community, and gave us so much to enjoy through his shared love for music and youth culture. I was incredibly lucky to have been a part of it. One of my favorite memories of Dave was when he came over to our house for the Dag Nasty sleepover after the March 21, 1987 all-ages show at 288 Lark, along with half the Albany hardcore punk scene. I was just 15 at the time, likely the youngest person present, but still got to meet and get to know people who were truly passionate about music. That was the kind of thing that Dave made happen, over and over again, in our little city. I think my mom tried out a few of her vegetarian recipes on Dave that evening. Hope that went OK... I'm sharing this here to let you know, not only was Dave a great person in his middle age, he was _always_ a great person, and he influenced so many people to want to be better and do more, even before he finished up undergraduate studies at SUNYA. I hope it gives you comfort to know that people you haven't met, from all over the country, loved and respected him.
Posted by: Adam O\'Toole - Lancaster, MA - Friend September 15, 2023
I met Dave at my first hardcore show in Albany. With all the friends he had and of all the people who seemed to know him. I would see him at other show and wasn't just another face in the crowd. We would always say Hi, talk and ask what was going on. What I remember most was that he always had a smile on his face, always had that PMA. He will be missed by many.
Posted by: Michael Buksa - Boston , MA - Friend September 16, 2023
Dave was always upbeat.If he wasn't feeling youd never know it.I always enjoyed his company whenever i did his service for him.He was definitely an all around great guy.When his wife told me he passed i was beyond myself.My deepest sympathies to all his family.Ill never foret Dave.Rip my friend
Posted by: David Nicolosi - Brick , New jersey - Friend October 4, 2023
