He was recently living in Calabash, NC, where he retired and formerly of Denville, NJ and Bergenfield, NJ. Rich was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Pitcher and a whole lot more too so many people.
Rich is survived by his wife Beverly Stepanian, sister, Roseanne Saxenian, sons Richard D Stepanian and Robert Stepanian (Patty), and daughter Laura Stepanian. Also his grandchildren, Heather, Kyle, Jason, Richie, Alexis, Thomas, Ethan and Emilee and his nieces and nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his first wife Eloise and son John.
Rich was born in 1940 to Ralph and Anne Stepanian. He was a longtime Phys. Ed teacher and legendary coach at Thomas Jefferson School in Rockaway Boro, NJ, where he taught and coached basketball, baseball, and cross country for over 45 years.
He was an active member of Denville Little League where he served on the board as Equipment Manager and manager/coach . He was an avid softball player and pitcher and was proud of his many championships. He founded the Denville Rockaway Mens Softball League and played well into his seventies. He had the chance to play with and against his sons and some great people.
He also ran a t-shirt uniform business called B&R Sports. He served on the board of the Morris County Junior High Coaches Association and ran the annual tournament for many years.
The most important thing to Steppy was his family and extended family and friends. He cared greatly for his former students, players, and friends as if they were his own. He was the kindest, warmest person you will ever meet and it is truly amazing how many lives he touched.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 4, 2021 at eleven o'clock in the morning at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina. You may view the service live on Facebook. Once on Facebook, "like" the page White Funeral and Cremation Service Shallotte Chapel. When the service starts, you will be able to view.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com
White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina.
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