Dr. Stephen Alan Werbel, PhD

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
- Winston Churchill

Obituary

Stephen Werbel, loving husband, father, grandfather, psychologist, philanthropist, friend, avid tennis player, and long-time Honolulu resident passed away on June 12, 2026 with his daughter Lea by his side. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Queens, NY, Stephen moved to Hawai’i in 1970 with his wife of 60 years, Genie. Before arriving in Honolulu, Stephen attended Forest Hills High School in Queens, NY, Princeton University ‘58 in New Jersey for his BA, University of Michigan for his MA, and Kansas University for his PhD in Psychology. 
A practicing psychologist for 30+ years, Stephen moved to Hawai’i to work as a Clinical Psychologist at Kalihi Palama Mental Health Center. From there he went on to head up the Elementary School Section of the Children’s Mental Health Services for the State of Hawai’i focusing on early intervention for children and adolescents. He co-created the WOW Project at Kuhio Elementary and was a Director of Early Head Start Programs in Hawai’i. His whole professional career focused on prevention and early intervention. He worked tirelessly to support parents, teachers, principals, and school counselors to work together in support of children – working to give them the best chance possible. In his private practice he also worked exclusively with youth and their families, supporting their growth and confidence, and ensuring they felt valued. He worked within the state government to lobby for increased funding and support for mental health services at all levels and supported many statewide programs such as The Parent Line, The Keiki O’Hawai'i newsletter for first time parents, the Teddy Bear Post for preschool parents, and the Baby Hui home-based parent support group. He helped coordinate the Department of Health and Department of Education in regard to mental health screenings for children and he provided training opportunities throughout the state to parents, teachers, day care providers, and mental health professionals. 
Steph also had a rich life outside of work and was excited when he retired 25+ years ago! He and Genie had always been avid travelers (they purchased a VW camper in 1968 and traveled throughout Europe multiple times, the longest trip being 18 months) and they started traveling more frequently visiting China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Russia, Scandinavia, and countless countries in Europe. Often visiting with friends around the globe, they traveled both independently and on various small cruises. And of course often stopped in Seattle to see Lea, Chris, Kahlan, and Tristan. The last two summers, dad came to Seattle for the summer to visit with us all and enjoy life in the PNW during the summer. In August 2024, we all took a trip to New York City to spend time with family, which was a highlight of dad’s year. 
Many knew Stephen through tennis - a sport he came to later in life after giving up his beloved golf. Tennis kept him away from home a bit less than golf! He played on many courts throughout Honolulu, most often at the Punahou Tennis Center and the Diamond Head Tennis Center. At Punahou he gathered a great group of friends and played in many member tournaments - often coming in first or second in his age group. Part of the way into his tennis career he hurt his right shoulder and instead of taking time off, he switched hands and perfected his left handed forehand. He was playing tennis up until March with his dear friend Lance and still switching between his two forehands. Lea was only able to beat him once he turned 80! 
Dad loved sports - he played them all when he was younger. And his love of exercise and movement lasted his whole life. From the purchase of various exercise equipment, walking and hiking on the hill, and working in the yard, he was often moving and was in great shape (besides the aches and pains) up until March of this year. 
In his spare time, between traveling and tennis, he found time to write two books and was working on his third. His first book, The WOW Project, chronicled a successful program that he helped start at Kuhio Elementary. It was an early intervention program that brought together school staff, social workers, and parents to help support at-risk children to help them navigate their social, emotional, and academic challenges. The program was an example of his philosophy that early intervention was key and that wrap-around services were essential to support at-risk students. His second book was a novel called President’s Day that investigated the psychology of memory and motivation. His third book was not completed, but again focused on early intervention, this time looking at the needs of parents and how best to support them in raising their children. 
Both of my parents also firmly believed in giving back and in philanthropy. They knew how fortunate they were and so every year they supported 100+ different organizations through direct contributions, attendance at fundraising events, and through endowed scholarship funds. In particular, they supported the American Psychological Foundation creating a fund named after my late uncle Leonard Werbel. They also supported scholarships at Princeton University, my dad’s alma mater, at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine and the Cancer Center, and Leeward and Kapiolani Community Colleges supporting their culinary programs. It is from them that I learned the value of the non-profit sector, the importance of philanthropy, and that contributing to the world is an important part of being part of the world. 

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