Steve was born June 14, 1946, in Baltimore, Md. He prepared at the McDonogh School in Baltimore, where he wrestled, played soccer, and was a member of the dramatics club. At Princeton Steve majored in biochemistry, was active in IAA sports, and was a member of Charter Club.
After Princeton, Steve attended Cornell University Medical College, graduating in 1972. Steve was a tenured professor of medicine at Cornell with expertise in immunology and rheumatology. In 1997, he joined DuPont Pharmaceuticals as vice president of research biology. In 2002, Steve moved to Incyte Pharmaceuticals, where he was executive vice president of biology and preclinical development.
At the time of his death, Steve was survived by his wife, Roberta; daughters Ashley and Dana; mother Ruth Friedman; and brother Paul.