Steven D. Senior

Steven D. Senior, 73, of Castle Rock, CO, and formerly of Sauquoit, NY, passed into the hands of his Lord and Savior on March 10, 2024, after a valiant and steadfast, yet painful fight against a rare and aggressive cancer. We extend a world of thanks to the Siteman Cancer Center and the Washington University physicians in St. Louis, MO, who successfully administered the clinical trial that extended his life.

Steve was born in Philadelphia, PA, on July 29, 1950, and grew up in Levittown, PA. To this day, he felt it was the greatest boyhood a kid could have. He and his best friend, John Wilson, played with abandon, bonding with their peers and becoming lifelong friends. He attended Nashaminy High School, then East Stroudsburg State College on a wrestling scholarship. He quit college after one semester to join the United States Marine Corps Reserves. After his full-time Reserve duty ended, he returned to college and wrestling. He received his BS degree, and then continued his education earning a Master of Science degree from Southern Connecticut University.

In 1975, Steve followed his heart into the work world as head wrestling coach and assistant professor of Health and Physical Education at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. He coached multiple sports during his 41-year career, with commitment and dedication. His career was capped with his election to the MVCC Hall of Fame in 2022. He was inducted into the NJCAA Region III Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2000, and the NJCAA Women’s Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2023. His passion and excellence in coaching profoundly affected many student athletes and colleagues. One colleague said:

Steve had a major impact on my life and the lives’ of my children. I often found myself in difficult situations asking, "What would Steve do?" Steve always did things the right way and always put his student athletes’ needs first. I treasured our friendship, our time together, and our phone conversations. Steve's legacy will live on for generations. He has had a major positive impact on hundreds of people.

Professionally, Steve wore several hats. His outgoing, pleasant and even-tempered personality facilitated the launch of a successful computer supply and networking company, Express Systems Integrated. Through ESI, he met and befriended many in the business world. Because of his expansive background, it was common for Steve to know someone, regardless of how far he traveled from home. This was especially true on the Colorado ski slopes, after his retirement in 2016. Steve’s favorite endeavor was golfing at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, in Castle Rock. As a man’s man, he enjoyed camaraderie with his fellow skiers, tennis and racquetball players, and golfing buddies. He loved his life to the fullest and treasured his friends and family.

Steve leaves his wife and soul mate, SueAnn (Zillioux) of 42 years. His greatest joy and affection was in providing for his three children: Jessica Hovland (Brent), Jennifer Senior (Mark Sherman), and Timothy Senior (Sarah). The ultimate blessings are his six grandchildren: Paxton & Levi Hovland, John & Beverly Sherman, and Isla & Witt Senior. He also leaves his loving siblings: David Senior (Lisa) of New Hope, PA, Stewart Senior (Diane) of Denver, PA, and his ‘little’ sister Cheryl Bohn (Gary), of West Chester, PA. His father, Donald Roland Senior, and his brother, Gregg Senior, predeceased him. Marilyn Jane Senior, Steve’s mother, passed away at age 95, just two weeks prior to Steve’s passing.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the ACS Hope Lodge, 4207 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, https://tinyurl.com/InMemory-SteveSenior, a home of fellowship and security during Steve’s clinical trial.

Alternatively, please consider a donation in Steve’s honor to the New Hope Foundation, (For information: https://newhope.foundation/about-us/), which provided personal care with medical and surgical treatment in China for his precious grandchildren, Paxton & Levi. To donate, please click here: https://newhope.foundation/donate/ .

Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be Friday, April 05, 2024, 1:00 pm, at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104. All are welcome!