In Memoriam – Stephen H. McNamara

Our colleague and friend, Stephen H. McNamara passed away on December 28, 2009 of complications from cancer at the age of 66.  Steve is survived by Caroline, his wife of 43 years, and his children, Matthew (Veronica) McNamara, and Deborah  (Nicholas) Hutchins and six grandchildren. 

Steve was a member of this firm from 1984 until poor health forced his withdrawal from practice in 2003.  He was an eminent figure in the food and drug bar, admired by his clients, fellow practitioners, and opponents.  He provided valuable advice to the Congress in the development of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.  In his professional endeavors he was respected for his attention to detail and for the imaginative solutions he found for knotty issues.  He was universally admired for his civility and respect for others.

Prior to joining HPM, Steve was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Inc. (now the Personal Care Products Council).  Steve was also proud of his service at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where he was a staff attorney, senior trial attorney, and ultimately the associate chief counsel for food.  For about a year, he served as the acting chief counsel.  He was twice recognized by the agency with the FDA Award of Merit (FDA’s highest award for service). 

Steve served as a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Army from 1967-1969, and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service, the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Vietnam, and the Army Commendation Medal. 

He was a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Steve was a complete and very good man, worthy of the honors accorded him and deserving of the love felt by those who knew him. We will remember how he loved his family.  We will remember him for his love and militant support of the Irish.  We will remember him as a scholar, focused on the classical world.  And his friends will always remember his love of ice cream. Steve will be greatly missed.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wonderful wife, Caroline, who has supported him through such difficult times, and to his entire family.   A memorial service will be held for Steve in January 2010.