Stephen George Kirtley

Steve is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jamie; his children, Carter, Ryan and Mia; his siblings, Tim (Melissa), John (Charity) and Matt (Helen); his nieces and nephews, Andrew, Abigail, Georgi, Cameron, Blake, Elis, Amelia, Isla, Landon and Elise; his parents Georgann and Jim Kirtley, parents in-law, Kathie and Bill Ronci, and his sisters-in-law Alyson (Jared) and Jessica (Tim).

Stephen was born in Huntington, West Virginia on December 29, 1971 to Georgann and Jim Kirtley. He graduated from Canfield High School in 1990, and Youngstown State University in 1995, with a degree in Management Information Systems, and promptly began a 28 year career in this field. He obtained a Master’s Of Business Administration Degree from the University of Phoenix.

On April 15, 2000, he married the love of his life Jamie, a Chiropractor, and thus began a beautiful marriage, and creation of a wonderful family. On June 10, 2004 son Carter came into the world, followed by daughters Ryan and Mia on December 8, 2007.

Stephen was a devoted father, and fiercely loved his family. He enjoyed coaching high school basketball while attending college, eventually becoming a volunteer youth coach, and continued with this passion throughout his life, teaching countless young men and women not only the basics of the sport, but the importance of teamwork, relationships, and leadership. He had a particular teaching focus on the importance of always knowing “Time and Score”!

Stephen was a fabulous organizer! He was the Commissioner of the Steve Amer Fantasy Football League since its inception in 2001, organized the annual Cardinal Classic Golf Outing for his fellow graduates from Canfield High School, which has continued on an annual basis for many years, and was Chairman of several family reunions over the years.

Stephen was a fan of all types of sports, but was particularly passionate about his beloved Kentucky Wildcats, as well as the Michigan Wolverines (as a testament to his strong marriage with Jamie, she is a graduate of The Ohio State University!), the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Guardians.

He was also active in the Millbrook Legends text thread, authoring some memorable quotes, such as “Confusing? Putting is the easiest part”.

Stephen and Jamie made countless lifelong friends throughout their marriage, and their home was always the centerpiece of neighborhood, school and family social activities.

Steve’s impact on the lives of all who knew him, or came into contact with him, is immeasurable. As a friend, he could never do enough for you. As a colleague, he could never support you enough. As a family member, he could never love you enough.

Our sadness, and tears, know no bounds, and know no end.

Calling hours for Steve will be held at the Lakes Country Club, Columbus, Ohio on Thursday April 20, 2023 from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday April 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Columbus, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the Kirtley family wishes donations be made payable to the Kirtley Memorial Fund and forwarded to Scott Shaffer, Kreller Group Inc., 817 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.