Condolence: Uncle Steve, I have many memories from my early childhood that included you. Some of my most pleasant memories are of us outside or working with wood. I'll never forget the swings, hand crafted, filed with love. What a prankster too! Couldn't resist a good laugh! Halloween holds so many good memories, all the way until this past Halloween. You never forgot me, ever. The day I was baptised, you became my God father. As a young woman without her father your presence was more valuable than even you knew. As an introverted extrovert I understood your feeling on social time. You kept the ones you cared for close. I'll forever cherish the memories of you meeting my daughter's when they were born. One of the most intelligent men I've had the pleasure of knowing and calling my family. My condolences to everyone who loved him as much as we did. The world is truly missing a great light. Rest in paradise Uncle Steve.

Condolence: Our brother Stephen has left us far too soon.

Lots of memories and thoughts have spun through my head these past few days, the first of which is wondering whether I would be writing this but for his courage and loyalty to family. When I was about five, Steve and I accidentally disturbed a hornets’ nest at the family property in Upstate New York. Although I was younger by eight years, he knew this presented far more danger to him -- he was allergic to stings. We were instantly stung several times over. Steve started running but looked back to find me swarmed, screaming, confused and, most importantly, frozen in place. He could have gained a position of safety and implored me to run. He could have called out for help from the farmhouse. Never hesitating, instead he dashed back into the tempest, swept me up, and ran with me in his arms all the way back home to our parents.

That episode was one of many, both serious and humorous, that underscored who my brother was at his core. His heroism wasn’t limited to rescuing little brothers. My parents also witnessed him chew out the TV set when a scary program made our elder brother Paul cry when they were tikes.

Something that stands out in my memories are the contradictions:

Steve was relatively shy and private, yet eager to join in any social gathering, and an animated storyteller when among those with whom he was comfortable -- talking with both his hands and that deep radio voice of his.

He could be both selfless and competitive -- devoting extended time to teaching me chess when we were young, but also making me run for my life when I would start winning a few games.

He was sometimes impatient and short-tempered if frustrated. For example, he might break a leg off of a couch on a doorframe if it would not pass easily while being moved. In those instances, I would tease him and call him Herman Munster. Yes, that did tick him off even more, but I had built up considerable speed in my legs from our chess matches. More importantly, I would also be amazed to see the gorgeous wood carvings he made and the antique furniture pieces he brought back to their original state through monk-like dedication and patient skill.

He could be stubborn and go after things doggedly. These were qualities that helped him earn three state wrestling medals. Holding grudges would seem to be a natural extension of these personality traits, but he held none.

When it came to kindness and thoughtfulness, there was no flipside. In an age where electronics do the heavy lifting for you, Steve is the only person I’ve known who never forgot a family member’s birthday. Ever. He did not use Facebook or Outlook. His internal calendar was guided by what I first mentioned -- loyalty to family. We noticed brother. We love you and will miss you. Our bond has been tested with your passing, but can’t be severed in this world or the next.

Condolence: Deepest condolences to all of you. So sorry to hear about the loss of Stephen.

Condolence: My deepest condolences to Stephen's family. May it be comforting to know that during difficult times like this our Heavenly Father says to throw our burdens on him and he will sustain us. He has given us his beloved Son Christ Jesus so that one day paradise will be restored and we can be reunited with our now deceased loved ones. Keep praying for that day. (Matthew 6:9,10; John 3:16; Revelation 21:3,4). My heartfelt prayers are with you.

Condolence: worked with steve at shop rite
very polite and nice person. Hard Worker
My deepest sympathy to the family
He will be sadly missed

Condolence: I worked with Steve for 2 years at ShopRite. He was a great guy. We always talked about music and joked around. I am going to REALLY miss him. My heart goes out to his family and you are all in our prayers.
God Bless T-Bone (an inside joke nickname I gave him at ShopRite)