Obituaries 08-31-2023

Stephen Nash Hurley

Founder, Chairman and CEO of Xylem Investments, Inc.

Stephen Nash Hurley, 80, of Boston, died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 5,  after a long illness. Born in Boston to Miriam (Greene) and Donald J. Hurley, he was a graduate of The Cambridge School of Weston, Amherst College, and Harvard University Graduate School of Business (with honors). He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Before making his life in and around the City of Boston, Stephen grew up in Weston, MA, and Chilmark, MA with his siblings: Cornelia Hurley McPeek, Donald Hurley Jr. (deceased) and Rosamond P.H. Shugrue, “Page”.

Stephen loved trees and had a talent for financial markets. He was an investor in the global forest products industry for over 30 years and was Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xylem Investments, Inc., an international forest products investment firm based in Boston. Stephen played a pivotal role in the Fletcher Challenge Forests/Southeast Asia Wood deal and his advocacy for New Zealand’s forests was recognized in Xylem’s partnership with the World Wildlife Fund.

Earlier in his career, Stephen held fund management positions at Resource Investments/UBS Brinson, Fidelity Investments, J.P. Morgan and State Street Research.

Stephen leaves his four children: Kimberly Hurley Birmingham, Nash Else Hurley, (first marriage to Diane Silvester Hurley), Patricia Rockefeller Hurley and William Pumroy Hurley (second marriage to Phyliss Pumroy Meaders, “Lisa”). He also leaves four grandchildren: Oscar and Ainsley Birmingham, in addition to Alder and Holden Hurley.

Known for his intellect, love of tennis, and unmistakable laugh, Stephen was happiest fishing on the waters near his childhood summer home in Chilmark, MA. His captaining of small craft will be missed.

A private memorial will be held with close family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sherrill House, 135 South Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02130 or 617-731-2400 ext. 3052.

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