

Steven was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, godfather, cousin, neighbor, and friend, whose life was defined by his big heart, spectacular spirit, and unwavering commitment to his family. He was a man of deep spirituality who believed in leading by example through humility and abundant love for others.
Steven had a passion for bringing people together. He first did this through food as the owner of the Belleair Café, where his love for cooking and hospitality was evident to everyone who walked through the doors. Cooking was more than a skill for Steven. Inspired by his parents, his cooking was an expression of care, creativity, and connection.
It was at the Belleair Café where Steve met Sheila, his wife of 27 years. He and Sheila shared a partnership rooted in devotion, resilience, and deep affection. Their love for each other is an inspiration to everyone around them. The Belleair Café became the place where their family began, welcoming their children, Summer, Skylar, Spencer, and Sienna. It was there that dreams were nurtured, milestones celebrated, and the foundation of a loving family was laid. Through his work, his love for Sheila, and his devotion to his children, he created a legacy defined by warmth, family, and the simple beauty of a life well fulfilled.
Later, he carried that same dedication and craftsmanship into his work as a general contractor, founding Belleair Construction. There, his integrity, work ethic, and attention to detail earned him the trust and respect of many. He poured his heart into serving the community through his work. He carried his intentionality into his company with his slogan “Quality Never Compromised”.
Beyond his accomplishments, Steven will be remembered most for his brilliant humor and joy. He had an unmatched ability to make people laugh, to lighten any room, and to turn ordinary moments into memories. To his children, godchildren, and the many who viewed him as a father, he was proudly known as the “King of Fun,” always finding ways to bring laughter, adventure, and joy into their lives. His children believe that his spirit was simply too big for a human body.
He embodied resilience, courage, and strength in practicing Uechi-Ryu martial arts. He enjoyed serving at St. Michael’s and modeling Macedonian tradition. He followed waves up the east coast and around the world. You could often find him playing his guitar, likely louder than needed. He prioritized being at every sports game for his children, whether he was coaching or videotaping. Sharing stories about growing up with his sister and their cousins and rewatching old family videos every holiday season were his specialties. He took the road less traveled quite literally.
When asked what he would say if he were face-to-face with his Creator, Steven wrote the following prayer as a reflection of the life he lived and the values he held close:
Give me health so I may lead my family in Your word.
Let me feel Your love and, in return, love all others.
Give me the strength, the wisdom, and the focus to do the work You created me to accomplish.
Let me be humbled in the journey.
Let me show people how heaven is on earth.
Steven showed us heaven on earth through his example. He remained kind and sang in his suffering through his journey with cancer for fourteen years. He dreamt far beyond the world he stood in. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the extraordinary energy he put out into the world.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila, his children, Summer, Skylar, Spencer, and Sienna, his parents, Dancé and Eva, his sister, Sandra Engeloff, and his pets, Seve and Strudel. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Baba Kola and Dedo George, and Maria and Tymko Holobicky.
During this season in which we must adapt to great loss and change, let us honor Steve’s memory by giving way to a joyful spirit. To optimism. Let us fill our days with adventure and make every day count as he joins us from the other side of heaven. We will watch the sunset the way he loved to.
A celebration of Steven’s life will be held on January 31st at 11:00 am at Chapel by the Sea in Clearwater Beach. Kindly let us know if you plan to attend and join in honoring the way he showed us heaven on earth.
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