1942 - 2026
Por João Montenegro
Steve Yolen, editor of Brasil Energy since 2004 and a longtime contributor to Brasil Energia, passed away on July 22, 2026, at the age of 83. In addition to his work as a reporter, editor, musician, and translator, Steve remained professionally active and continued working while battling cancer, which he fought until the end. He is succeeded by Assistant Editor Walter Colton, a North Carolina USA native who has worked and lived many years in Brazil.
Born Steven Hyatt Yolen on Nov. 4, 1942, in New York City, Steve started his career with United Press International (UPI) in New York and was subsequently transferred to the Caribbean and Argentina. He moved to Brazil in the 1970s where he served as UPI Bureau Chief in Rio de Janeiro. At the time, UPI was one of the world's leading international news agencies, playing a central role in global news distribution.
Like many accomplished reporters, Steve's career was marked by both skill and extraordinary circumstances. He was in Santiago, Chile, during the military coup led by Gen. Augusto Pinochet on Sept. 11, 1973, after temporarily replacing a colleague at UPI's Santiago bureau, located just a short distance from La Moneda presidential palace.
During the coup, a misunderstanding over the initials "UPI"—mistaken by military forces for the name of the Chilean leftist UP political organization—nearly cost him his life. The same forces that bombed the presidential palace and overthrew President Salvador Allende also opened fire on surrounding office buildings where snipers were protecting President Allende. The UPI office was in the line of fire, and Steve and his colleagues remained sheltered lying on the floor inside the newsroom, whose walls were left scarred by more than 400 bullet holes. Later, Army soldiers entered the UPI office that they thought was the office of the UP political organization, and Steve and the other journalists had to explain to the soldiers that it was the UPI international news agency office.
After returning to Brazil, Steve continued with journalism and founded the Latin America Daily Post English language newspaper. Later, he combined journalism with the translation of numerous corporate and literary works. Outside the newsroom, he was an accomplished musician, performing as the lead vocalist of a folk and country music band. He appeared on Brazil's popular television program Domingão do Faustão and performed at the Rock in Rio music festival.
Alongside his editorial work at Brasil Energy—where he edited both the print magazine and, more recently, the daily digital edition—Steve never gave up his other passions. He enjoyed playing tennis, performing on the banjo, and spending time with family and friends.
Respected and admired by colleagues throughout his career, Steve is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends and coworkers whose lives he touched. His legacy as a journalist, editor, translator, and mentor will long be remembered.