Stephen Hameroff

Stephen Barry Hameroff succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s September 24, 2025 in Baltimore, MD.

Steve was born in Brooklyn, NY to Molly (nee Chaikin) and Jack Hameroff on March 30, 1940. He was the eldest of 3 sons. He was a star student and premier athlete, holding the Brooklyn City long jump record in high school. Steve opted to attend the University of Maryland for both his Bachelor’s and his Medical Doctorate, where he funded his way through college and medical school with multiple jobs and scholarships. At his college graduation, he was awarded the Gold Award and the Hillard K. Evans Award for the outstanding graduating track athlete. That summer, he was also given the honor of Outstanding Scholar Athlete of the Atlantic Coast Conference. He excelled at discus, shot put, javelin, and long jump, and in 1961 he was selected to be part of the USA Macabian team. He was honored to be elected into the National Medical Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha, in his junior year of medical school.

Steve went on to complete his internship in neurology and a residency in neurology, ophthalmology, and neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Maryland. After his residency, Steve became an associate professor of ophthalmology and Head of Neuro-Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore. Steve started two eye programs in Baltimore, one at North Charles Hospital where he was Chief of Ophthalmology, and, later, one at Union Memorial Hospital where he was Associate Chief of Ophthalmology. He practiced at his office in Pikesville for nearly 50 years. He also taught residents at Sinai Hospital.

Steve was dedicated to working out and eating well, and maintained his passion for sports after his school years. He was the 1980 USA Masters Track and Field Champion in shot put, and was selected as “All American” by the USA Masters Track and Field Association. He won 7 national medals.

He didn’t have a mean bone in his body and could be counted on to take care of family, friends, and anyone he learned needed help. He loved to garden, tell jokes, and go out to dinner with family and friends. When he walked into Lifebridge Fitness or a restaurant in his retired years, Steve needed 10 minutes on entry and exit to kibbitz with and hug old friends, neighbors, and patients. Steve never missed an opportunity to tell his children how proud he was and how much he loved them. Even in his final weeks of life when asked how he was doing, Steve consistently replied “I can’t complain. If you’re breathing, you can’t complain.” He kept his positive outlook until his last day.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Glenn Hameroff.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Beatrice Lewis Hameroff, who cared for him every day until he passed away, and his 4 children, Andrew (Anna) Hameroff of Pittsburgh, PA, Pamela (Ron) Stevens of West Bloomfield, MI, Steven Scott of Pikesville, MD, and Tracy Albert of Pikesville, MD.

He is also survived by his brother, Michael Hameroff (Cheryl) of Waldorf, his sister-in-law, Evelyn Hameroff of Palm Coast, FL, and his 6 loving grandchildren: Alexander, Madison, and Isabel Stevens and Aidan, Emma, and Olivia Hameroff.

The funeral will be at Beth El Cemetery, graveside, on September 30th at 2:00 pm. Family will be receiving at 8911 Griffin Way in Pikesville between 6:00 and 9:00 pm, services at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his life may consider contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.