I learned of the recent death of Steven Middleton through the 1-4-10 issue of Coin World. I knew him through his active involvement as an exhibitor and exhibit judge.

Steve was born on April 5, 1952, in Orange, New Jersey. He died on December 10, 2009, at the age of 57. He taught chemistry and physics at Orange High School and later Mount Olive. He occasionally wore a magician's cape as he demonstrated experiments. His dedication to teaching earned a teacher-of-the-year award.

In recent years Steve exhibited "Medals of the First Ferris Wheel". He won first place awards at FUN, Central States and the ANA. He won third place for best-of-show at the ANA in 2008. Selected items from his library are included in David Sklow's sale of 2-13-10.

The last time I saw Steve was at the 2009 Central States show. He gave me an elongated token with the invitation to the "Middleton Cocktail Party" at the ANA convention August 5, 2009, at the ANA Convention. I am sorry I could not attend.