August 17, 1937 – January 1, 2024
Steven Gordon Oston of Reading passed away at his home on January 1, 2024. He was 86 years of age. Steven was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 17, 1937, the son of the late Maurice S. and Bertha (Gordon) Oston.
Husband of Diane A. (Lajoie) Chapin. Father of Javan R. Oston and his wife Angela of Albuquerque NM, and Tanya L. Andrade of Johnston, RI. Brother of Judy Oston of CT and grandfather of Jared and Cory Andrade, Tivon and Galen Oston.
Steven was raised in New Rochelle, New York. He graduated from Bayside High School, Queens, New York City in 1955 as his class Valedictorian. He graduated from MIT with degrees in Chemical Engineering (BS) and Nuclear Engineering (PhD) and from Northeastern University with a degree in Engineering Management (MS).
After graduation, he worked for Avco Advanced Research, Space and Missile Systems in Wilmington, MA; the Ion Physics Corp. in Burlington, MA; Science Applications, Inc. in Bedford, MA and Washington DC; and the Analytic Sciences Corp. (TASC) of Reading, MA. He specialized in defense systems and modeling and analysis. He retired from TASC after 23 years as a member of the technical staff. He had long involvement in program to assess risks associated with the disposal of nuclear reactor radioactive waste materials.
Steven was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, where he chaired the Finance, Investment, and Governance Committees. He served as Vice President of the Governing Board and was the longtime treasurer for the annual Kris Kringle Fair. He was a member of the church Men’s Group, Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry, and participated in the Communication Task Force.
Steven volunteered for several activities such as Meals on Wheels, tax consulting and money management for the elderly, and taught computer courses at the Senior Center. He participated in Reading civic affairs as a member of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Industriplex 128; Hazardous Waste Committee; Water and Sewer Advisory Committee. He served as long-term Town Meeting member; was a Town election official; and drove a van for the Senior Center and the Reading Council on Aging.
He was an enthusiastic duplicate bridge player and golfer, enjoyed classic rock music, playing the keyboard, attending events at the Reading Senior Center.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and burial is private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church 239 Woburn St. Reading, MA 01867. www.uureading.org
