IN MEMORY OF STEPHEN GREENBAUM WB2KDG
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and fellow amateur radio operator, Stephen Greenbaum, WB2KDG, who became a Silent Key yesterday. Stephen was an Extra Class licensee whose passion for amateur radio and dedication to public service left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of keying up with him.
As the longest-tenured member of the Hall of Science Amateur Radio Club (HOSARC) - having joined around 1977 - Stephen was a true pillar of our community. Many will fondly remember him from the mid-1980s when the club met at the Queens Dental Society building on 188th Street in Jamaica Estates. He served faithfully over the years in various leadership capacities, including as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, and as a steady Board member. He was often the vital "behind the scenes" person, willingly taking on the paperwork and essential tasks needed to support both HOSARC and the Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club (LIMARC). In addition to serving on the LIMARC Board for over four years, Steve devoted his time and energy to assisting them with their Hamfests and other events.
Stephen was deeply committed to the next generation of operators. He is a Life Member of the Garden School Amateur Radio Club, he was instrumental in setting up the school's station and routinely dedicated his time to their Science Expos and Field Days, sharing the magic of radio with everyone. His enthusiasm for making and building was perhaps best showcased at the NY Hall of Science Maker's Fair, where he helped run the Radio Exhibit - an effort that earned multiple Editor’s Choice Ribbons.
A passionate DXer and chaser, Stephen held numerous accolades, including the DX World Award, United States Countries Award, World Radio Friendship Award, Grid Square Award, and the World Continents Award. Furthermore, as an active Volunteer Examiner (VE), he spent countless hours helping newcomers earn their tickets and upgrade their licenses.
As a longtime member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), he reliably participated in numerous events and functions, providing critical communications at public gatherings like the NYC Marathon. When our city faced its darkest hour, Stephen answered the call, selflessly volunteering his time and skills in the grueling aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks.
Beyond the airwaves, Steve was a travel enthusiast who particularly loved the sea, always preferring the experience of a cruise ship over air travel.
Stephen embodied the very best of the amateur radio spirit. He will be deeply missed by his friends, his colleagues, and the countless operators he mentored along the way.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2026
Location:
Mount Moriah Cemetery, 685 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, NJ
Time:
11:00 am
De Wb2kdg QRT