Steven Albert Vernazzaro

Steven “Vern” A. Vernazzaro, 64, passed peacefully in the arms of his wife, Kate on December 26, 2021. Steve was someone who made an everlasting impression. He was fiery, creative, generous, thoughtful, and loyal to those he loved. His friendships were deep rooted, many dating back to childhood. He held his friends in high regard. He kept busy and was always on a mission to accomplish things. He was a hard worker and believed, “You never pay a man to do something you can do yourself.” Steve enjoyed the ocean, his motorcycle, his boat, all things outdoors, and football. He loved simple moments, fixing things, all animals, doing things the “right” way and was always up for shenanigans. Steve, a 1975 graduate of Silver Lake High School, received his bachelor's degree in 1979 from the University of Massachusetts. Steve came to FL from Kingston MA in 1989. He spent time in Ft Lauderdale before moving to Lecanto, where he resided prior to traveling with IBEW as a crane operator. He frequently visited Citrus County and met Kate who would become the love of his life and wife. It didn’t take long to realize they were better together than apart and returned to Citrus County permanently. Their decade-long romance was filled with love, laughs, adventure and a joint commitment to embrace the triumphs and struggles of his battle with mesothelioma. Steve’s work life was full and varied; in his native Massachusetts he worked with the family business Vernazzaro Bros.; he also served with the Kingston Police Department. In Florida he served with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, worked with Restoration Specialists in Lecanto, FL, and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He is preceded in death by his father, Bartholomew (Bart) Vernazzaro, his uncles Mario, Nicky, and Jimmy; stepfather Ralph Johnson and sister-in-law Nancy Vernazzaro. Steve is survived by his wife Katherine; his bonus daughter Kara Cook; mother, Dolores Johnson; brothers: Ronnie Vernazzaro and wife Terry; niece Laurie Vernazzaro; Frank Vernazzaro; nephew Michael Vernazzaro (who he loved like a son) and his wife Kristal; and niece Holly Vernazzaro. Steve did not have children but acquired his daughter Kara by way of his wife. He claimed her as his own and she claimed him as her Superhero Dad. Godspeed to a treasured husband and soulmate, son, brother, uncle, dad, and friend. “Sadly Missed, Forever Loved, and Never Forgotten” In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Steve's name to Citrus County Family Resource Center 3660 N Carl G Rose Hwy, Hernando, FL 34442