Remembering David Stein

[Catholic Worker]

From: Brian Terrell 

Remembering David Stein – Catholic Worker Movement

David Stein, a longtime Catholic Worker known for his humor, creativity, and deep sense of community, passed away suddenly on January 2, 2025, at the age of 67, according to his longtime friend Lucky Merlovitz. He died of natural causes related to organic cardiovascular disease while visiting an art gallery in Chicago—an activity he greatly enjoyed—accompanied by his close friend, Dawn.

Originally from New York, Stein’s journey with the Catholic Worker began on the East Coast as part of the Community for Creative Nonviolence in Washington, D.C. He later moved to the Midwest in the 1980s, joining Catholic Worker houses in Des Moines, IA, and Rock Island, IL, before settling at St. Francis House in Chicago, where he was a dedicated member until his “retirement” in 2021.

Stein was well-known for his wit and his way of bringing levity to difficult moments. Friends recall his musings in the Catholic Worker newsletter At the Door, his beautifully crafted woodcarvings, and his joy in simple pleasures—whether sharing meals, walking outdoors, or observing nature.

The community is invited to celebrate David’s life at an event later this year. Details will be shared on the St. Francis House Catholic Worker website, francishousechicago.org, by March 1. To be included in a contact list announcing the celebration of life event, email sfh.ch...@gmail.com and note “David Stein Celebration of Life” in the subject line.

Cards, notes, and letters of condolence can be sent to:

St. Francis Catholic Worker

4652 N. Kenmore Ave.

Chicago, IL 60640

photo- David teaching wood carving at the February 2010 craft retreat at Strangers and Guests Catholic Worker in Maloy, Iowa