Steven Michael Lombardi

Steven Michael Lombardi entered the presence of his Lord on December 11, 2025. He was 64 years old.

Steve was born in San Jose, California on January 20, 1961. He graduated from McLane High School in Fresno, CA and thereafter worked at a number of local businesses. Years later, he earned his baccalaureate degree in business administration from Fresno State and followed that with a multiple-subject credential in education. He served as an elementary school teacher at Fresno Unified School District for eighteen years, most notably at Vang Pao Elementary School.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Joseph D. Lombardi. He is survived by his mother,

Gloria Angeline Lombardi (Silva); siblings: Dan Joseph Lombardi and wife Kerri Nikka Lombardi (Bye), Janice Marie Lombardi, and Kevin Michael Lombardi; nephew and nieces: Austin Daniel Lombardi and wife Vanessa Leann Lombardi (Moreno), April Nicole Lombardi, Katrina Angeline Lombardi, Vivian Lorraine Lombardi, and Araya Dani Lombardi.

Steve was a seasoned outdoor enthusiast. He loved to go camping in the upper elevations. His fishing technique was exemplary. He had a passion for collecting firearms and for target shooting. Since he was a boy, he had an innate skill as a marksman. Most of all, he loved to teach us all that he knew, which made our outdoor experiences fun and educational.

For Steve, teaching was a calling, not just a profession. He cared deeply for his students, and did all that he could to remedy their educational deficits. His site administrators and colleagues recognize him as a great man whose dedication, leadership, and influence continue to this day. He wore many hats, serving as a grade-level leader, a union site representative, and even as a basketball coach. He began many days on campus at 6 AM, not leaving until 8 or 9 PM. But it was not the time spent at school that mattered, but his results. Students graduating from his classes experienced significant gains in math and language scores, self-esteem, and maturity. He spoke constantly to us about the challenges and accomplishments that he experienced in the classroom. Throughout the years, he impressed the district officials during their classroom observations of Steve, culminating in his being formally recognized as a teacher of excellence district-wide. He was—in the parlance of education—a "Superman."

Steve's sudden passing has shocked our family and created a void in our hearts. He brought joy and levity to our family. At family gatherings, his storytelling was legendary. His sense of humor was unmatched in his jokes, pranks, and comedic impressions. He was adored by his nephew and nieces. He modeled persistence by overcoming Addison's disease, which nearly killed him when he was fourteen. He overcame personal struggles and self-doubt, transforming himself into a great man of faith and an inspiration to his students. Recently, he endured extensive back surgery and two knee replacements and was far along on his road to recovery. He had been retired for a year and a half, kept up on his medical appointments, and was on the cusp of enjoying the fruits of his labors. Steve looked forward to the rest of his life, pursuing his hobbies and going on long walks at Morro Bay and Pismo Beach.

We carry his essence in our minds, in our memories, in our shared experiences from childhood to maturity.

Like Steve, we share the hope to come that is found in Jesus Christ and are comforted by the words of St. Paul:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. " (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV)

We love Steve, and we are thankful for the place that he has in our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720, United States. The service is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am.