Aubrey Stephen Nutbrown, known as Sonny or Steve, was born February 22, 1930, in Nashua, New Hampshire.  Steve lost his battle with pulmonary fibrosis, at the age of 91, on November 3, 2021, while under the care of Evergreen Health Hospice in Kirkland, WA.

Born during the depression to Aubrey C. and Olive Josephine Lockwood Nutbrown, Steve was the oldest of 4 children. There was a severe lack of money during their childhood, but it did not deter any future success. Growing up in Ocean Grove, Fall River and the Somerset, Massachusetts area, Steve began working at an early age, including the local drug store, gas station and pin setting in the bowling alley. His great work ethic saw him move up rapidly in every position.

Steve graduated from BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1949. He then joined the Navy Reserves, and in 1950, enlisted with the United State Air Force where he rose to the rank of Chief Master Sargent. His first post was Everett, WA, where he fell in love with the giant evergreen trees. From there, he spent time in Korea and Japan, until the General for whom he was working asked that he accompany him to the Pentagon.  The highlight of that assignment was meeting Dolores Janickos. Steve loved telling the story of a young woman prancing into the office with a paper in hand saying "I need this reproduced". Steve replied "I'm your man" and they were married within weeks on March 22, 1957 - a marriage that lasted 61 and a half years.

Steve's first European posting was as attaché in the US Embassy, in Bern, Switzerland. Until the end of his life, he displayed the gallantry, grace, poise and tact that position required. Dolores held civilian jobs within the government alongside all of Steve's postings. While in Bern, their son and only child, Stephen Kennedy Nutbrown was born on December 13, 1963. Postings included a move back to the States to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.  Their final assignment was in Stuttgart, Germany, which had Steve working for General George Smith Patton. Steve delighted in beating him at racquetball and maintaining a relationship with the Patton family. Steve and Dolores were also extremely active in square dancing. Steve was club president for 2 years and they travelled all over Europe to participate.

After a successful 30-year military career, they retired in 1977 to San Antonio, Texas. Steve soon found a position with the Lucchese Boot Company where he was able to count Johnny Cash as one of his customers. Steve's final civilian career had him working for the Steinberg Leather Company on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Life saw many good moves around the country and they found the Bob Hope Retirement Village in Shalimar, Florida, to be their final retirement home. Steve acted as her caregiver, but sadly, Dolores lost her 4 year battle with dementia in 2018 at the age of 83.

That did not signal the end of Steve's cross-country moves. A vacation to the Seattle area reunited Steve with an old family friend, Margaret (Margo) Burnell, of Redmond WA. That visit turned into the perfect companionship that was a true blessing for both of them during Covid and up until Steve's passing. Margo was a tremendous caregiver and with him daily through necessary home hospice care and at his side in the Evergreen Health Hospice House in Kirkland, WA, when he passed.

All who knew Steve will remember his quick smile and whit. The constant twinkle in his eye. The wonderful stories of his life – of which he said he had no regrets – and his great listening skills. He was thoughtful, courteous, and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. The world is a better place for his having been here, and heaven has gained a shining star.

Steve leaves behind his final companion, Margaret (Margo) Burnell, of Redmond, WA and her family. He is survived by his son, Stephen Kennedy Nutbrown (Dian) of San Antonio, TX, and his grandson Stefan Nutbrown, of Corpus Christi, TX. His sister, Joyce Rose, of Middleboro, MA. His brother, Ronald Nutbrown, of Fall River, MA. His sister-in-law, Louise Nutbrown of New York, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Steve and Dolores' ashes will be interred together at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA, on Monday, November 22 ^nd , at 11:30AM.

Donations may be made in his name to Evergreen Health Hospice House , 12822 124 ^th LN NE, Kirkland, WA, 98034 or St. Jude's Parish, 10526 166 ^th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052.

To share memories of him please sign the guestbook by scrolling down. Bookmark Steve's direct memorial page link for easy return visits: https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/steve-nutbrown