Stephen Richard Diffenderfer

Stephen (Steve) Richard Diffenderfer, a retired state employee with the Florida Department of Transportation and long-time resident of Tallahassee, died unexpectedly on July 5, 2016 at the age of 61. Steve is survived by two brothers Robert and David Diffenderfer and his sister Jan Rybak-Matalon. He is predeceased by both parents Richard and Patricia Diffenderfer.

Steve was born in Jackson, Michigan on January 5, 1955. His family moved to Tallahassee in 1960 and quickly settled into Betton Hills. As a child Steve developed the loyalty of a core set of friends which would last his entire life. Steve was a free-spirit who enjoyed meeting new people and never met a stranger. He was seldom without music and taught himself to play the piano. He indulged a lifelong passion for exploring the woods and wild places of the Panhandle and the coast. Due to his love for reading anything and everything, Steve was a walking encyclopedia of historical knowledge, facts, figures and dates.

Steve was compulsively curious, an insatiable reader and an inexhaustible story teller. He never stopped learning and he shared his enthusiasm with all around him.

Steve had unconditional love for his family and for others. He was devoted to his nieces and nephews and took great pride in their accomplishments. He had an exceptionally kind and gentle soul and will be remembered for his humility and his simplicity. He is much loved and will be sorely missed.

A visitation will be held Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 at 1 p.m. The funeral service will be held Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road at 2 p.m. with the interment at MeadowWood Memorial Park following the service. A celebration of Steve’s life will take place in the Fall at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.