In Memoriam: Steven Lewine, 67
Latin America Specialist at MHT, Chem, CMB and Chase
Steven Michael Lewine died on April 13, 2025, only 10 days after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Lewine, 67, spent almost 22 years as an international commercial and investment banker with JPMorganChase and its predecessor institutions (Chase Manhattan Bank, Chemical Bank and Manufacturers Hanover Trust specializing in Latin America, including five years living in Sao Paulo, Brazil (1997 - 2002).
Lewine grew up in Great Neck, NY, as the oldest of five siblings. At age 15, he was hit by a truck while walking to school and spent several weeks in a full body cast. The doctors told him his survival was due to strength and luck; he often referred back to this experience to tap into his deep well of resilience and optimism. He became the first person in his family to go to college (SUNY Brockport) and studied Spanish and business in New York, Mexico, Canada, Arizona and Spain, eventually earning two master’s degrees – at ESADE (MBA) and the Thunderbird School of Global Management (MIM).
After working at Chase and its predecessor banks from 1982 to 2004 (leaving as a Managing Director), Lewine built a second career at UBS and Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor, helping his team be named as one of the top in the state of Connecticut.
In 2021, he endowed the Lewine Global Engagement Fund at SUNY Brockport, to facilitate international experiences like the ones that shaped him. Among his many affiliations and causes, he was especially passionate about the Rotary Club, through which he organized significant fundraising and executed multiple service trips to schools and other nonprofit organizations in Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Lewine, three sons and two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Remembrances
Please send remembrances to news@chasealum.org
From Ludwig Chang (Chase-Chemical-Chemical-Chase 1979-2001): Steve and I first met when we were working for a client in Colombia on a potential acquisition in Peru back in the early 90’s. At that time, both countries were mired in political and social instability. Colombia was suffering from a war with the cartel led by Pablo Escobar (still at large when we were there), the rebel group FARC. Peru was under attack by the terrorist group Shining Path. We traveled and worked together, and bonded, and shared our stories up until recently.
In my frequent post-retirement travels to Latin America, I always think of Steve – not just the experiences working together, but his humanitarian work in Guatemala and Honduras.
Steve will be greatly missed by all that came in touch with him.
In my frequent post-retirement travels to Latin America, I always think of Steve – not just the experiences working together, but his humanitarian work in Guatemala and Honduras.
Steve will be greatly missed by all that came in touch with him.