Dear friends of Steve, 
It looks as if this guest book will disappear tomorrow.  I am collecting email addresses of Steve's friends to stay connected and let you all know if anything else is planned in his memory.  Please email me if you would  like to see the Program from the Celebration of Life we had for Steve last weekend.  I also have a photo I can send you.  ellen@culture2culture.com
My very best, 
Ellen

Steve attended the NCSA where many many people adored and loved him. He had such acting talent and poise. I haven't seen or been in touch with Steve  since he left NYC in the 80's, so I am so sad to learn of his passing. I know my colleagues at NCSA will always remember him as the star that shone above the rest.

We will always keep you near and dear to our heart.Remembering. all the good times & good deeds.You will be sorely missed.

To all of the Gilewicz family I extend my sincerest condolences regarding Steve's death. What a humble, gentle giant he was. He always went out of his way to help others and has the kindest heart! He even saved my son Kyle's life when he was a toddler! Attentive and caring and the best carpenter and decorator! I will truly miss our talks Steve. RIP
To Bonnie, we will always be there for you!

At this point, I can finally think about Steve long enough to write without crying.  My family and I met Steve and his mom in 1994, as we were moving into the neighborhood at the same time. He and I shared the same birthday and he even sang at my wedding in 1997. The voice of an angel. Now, truer words were never spoken. I miss seeing your car, and saying with a smile, "here comes Steve". I miss our talks in the driveway, and always making sure you had coffee and/or potato salad when it was made at mom's house. You have left such a void in our family's lives. The neighborhood just isn't the same without your presence and your ability to always make things beautiful. Your work was endless perfection. We cannot question God but this is so hard to comprehend, even one month later. We love and miss you so very, very much. Thank you for everything you've done and everything you were. The world became a little less vibrant when you left. What a loving spirit. What a wonderful, selfless person. Don't know how to celebrate my birthday without you my friend.

I will treasure always my memories of our Renaissance man Steve and the opportunities to visit with with him.  I have yet to find the Emily Dickinson poem Steve often mentioned, but one often quoted Emily Dickinson line is certain:  "This world is not conclusion."  Until later, dear Steve...

Celebration of Life for Steve Gilewicz, March 26th 5pm.  Please email ellen@culture2culture for further details.

So sorry to hear about Steve's passing. He and the whole Gilewicz family were good childhood friends. So thankful we grew up together in Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Steve was my brother-in-law but, I considered him my own brother for 28+yrs. Words cannot express just how sad we all are to have lost such a loved member of our family.

I am truly heartbroken. Steve was not only one of the best friends this life can offer, but he was a member of our family, and truly, the closest thing I had to a father. He did all the things a good father does  challenged the way I saw the world, pushed me to chase my dreams no matter the cost, and supported our family with unconditional care and attention. Steve was in our home through so many major life milestones over the past 12 years, and I truly couldn't imagine growing up without him. 

I wanted to write this post to him, as I want to share all the things with you Steve, that I wish I could have said before you were gone too soon. 

Dear Steve, 

Thank you. Words can never truly express the way you changed our lives. You were the man there for our family when no one else was. You had the biggest heart I'll ever know, and in turn, everyone around you always aimed to be a better person. Steve, I miss you.  Knowing that we'll never sit again talking over cups of coffee - you reminding me of all the good and ironic truths of life - simply breaks my heart. I'll miss your sharp wit, perfect amount of cynicism, and most of all, I'll miss your unconditional care for our family. 

I will forever be grateful for our closeness. For all that you taught me without even trying. For the way that you pushed me to think of the world differently. For the way you taught me how to love imperfections. For the way you taught me patience for the inevitable. I've never met anyone like you, nor will I probably ever again. But I am truly happy to say you shaped me to who I am, and that I will carry the rest of my life. 

As I sit here trying to remember all the perceptive and incredible things you said, I find myself always going back to my favorite thing you ever told me. When I graduated from college, you gave me a card that still hangs over my bed today so I can remind myself each day of it's meaning. It reads, Only follow directions in burning buildings. Love, Steve. You pushed me to always chart my own course and be my own me. I not only love this quote so much for it's meaning, but also for how it shows your sentiment for our family. We were a family. A modern family. A 2016 family. 
Steve, I will work every day to make you proud. You've reminded me never to define myself by the world's standards. You reminded me that we all need to stop trying to please people, and just be happy in yourself. You reminded me to love New York, and embrace every moment. You never have to have a plan in New York, you'd say. You just have to leave your apartment and pick a direction. 

You made my life better. You made our lives better. I love you Steve, and I'll think of you every day. 

And I promise to never follow directions.

He was my "everything" guy: designer, architect, painter, confidante, political pundit, eternal sceptic and best friend.  For those that knew him, he was a beautiful, gentle soul with impeccable taste, acerbic wit, joyful irreverence and the biggest heart I've ever known. He was with me through all the tragedy and joy of the last 12 years, and listened patiently for hours on end and cared so much. He stepped in to fill the void for my two fatherless daughters offering advice and reassurance. I only learned of his tragic passing Sunday when I called his mother to see why I hadn't heard from him in so many days.We were supposed to meet tonight for dinner.   We loved you Stevie, the huge hole in our hearts will never be filled. I will be having a Celebration of Life for Steve at the end of March at the beautiful home that Steve helped me design, build and decorate.  HIs presence is everywhere here. You can email me at ellen@culture2culture.com for further information. Rest in peace my dearest friend.
All my love, Ellen Jane Baker

I was shocked and heartbroken to learn yesterday of Steve's
sudden death.  He was a good, caring, kind, generous soul with such creative talent and remarkable intellect; what
a pleasure it was to be in his presence and the loss of him is immeasurable. Our Christmases will never be the same without Steve and his magic. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

I know Steve for 17 years.He was my best friend.Every day he came to  the store in the morning for his coffee;then we were engaged in our daily conversation.It was like a ritual.Steve was intelligent and always curious to learn something new.He was very kind and generous.I am very sad at the loss of my best friend.I will always miss Steve.My condoleances for Gilewicz family.

Stephen was a rare and exceptionally talented man. He touched the lives of so many people through his creative designs, thoughtful conversations and ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.  Whatever task he performed, he did it to perfection. Stephen was a gentle, caring soul who found the good and the ironic in life, but he was always hopeful. Our lives were greatly enriched through his generosity, his friendship and his immense talent. Our hearts are saddened.      Jere and Richard Stevens

Steve first came to my attention when I heard him sing with the Spiritual Choir at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  Our friendship began when he sang "Amazing Grace" at a memorial Mass for my mother in  June 2002. 

Steve was a true renaissance man with many interests and creative talents.  His special gifts are visible everywhere in my home and yard where he loved to garden.  When friends would compliment me,  I would always reply "It's Steve."  He could implement any idea that I might have and make it better. 

We loved cooking together and shared many meals  with friends and family where the conversation was always interesting. Everyone always enjoyed being with Steve.  It was my pleasure to introduce him to many of my friends who would also come to appreciate his friendship and many talents in their homes.

Most of all, I will always love and cherish Steve for his generous and caring heart, especially for his older friends, family and those without a voice. He was truly a treasured member of my family who will live forever in my heart. As time goes by,   I can only hope that the disbelief and sadness of today will be eased  by memories of our many happy times together.

                                                                     Mary Reca Todd, Raleigh, North Carolina

In 1998 I shared with friends that Steve was painting my bedroom magenta.(What was I thinking?)  After work, one of my friends followed me home to see how the room looked. We were shocked to see it  painted a soft salmon color with a note saying he thought the new color would look better. That spoke volumes of his creativity, trust in our relationship that it was ok to do what he thought was best, and certainty of his actions. Steve was kind, generous and quite intelligent. It was not unusual to arrive home finding  him working on something with classical music or opera in the background.  He was a good conversationalist and well versed on many subjects.  I considered him a good   friend and I will miss him. Steve, you are gone much too soon. 

PS I loved the salmon colored room!

Linda Silber

He was family to us.  He will be greatly missed

Steve, we are very sad at your loss and send sympathy to your family.  Thanks for your kindness, creativity and thoughtfulness.  You were one of our family
and we will miss you.   Wade and Sandy Hargrove

I am absolutely in shock and heart broken to lose Steve.  Over the last four years he has been a steadfast friend.  I told him he was my "adopted son".  He was so creative, intelligent, humorous, and kind, and as I look around the house there are touches of Steve everywhere.  He was such a friend to my husband Dan who is under hospice care here at the house.  I won't be able to tell Dan when he asks "Where's Steve?".  I will tell him he is on a "much-needed, long vacation".  My thoughts are with his Mother, whom I have never met, who Steve loved so much.  I keep thinking Steve is going to walk in our back door with his cup of coffee in hand. When I woke up this morning I wanted to think that this was all a bad dream. He will always be alive in my heart.

Stephen was a great family friend.  His kindness and friendship will missed.

So sorry that Steve left us too soon. His kindness and generosity will always be remembered.

Steve, I am glad that our paths crossed.  I will miss our political, philosophical, and sometimes, gossipy discussions. Your kindness, generosity, and friendliness touched many people who are presently inconsolable.  However, once our grief passes, your memory will always bring a smile to our faces and will brighten our day. 
Mourad

I am very sad about Steve's passing.  He was very special to my Mom and me, and would do anything for us. He was like a brother to me following the death of my Mom last March. Steve was a kind, generous man with a good sense of humor. He will be missed dearly.  I will keep Bonnie, Bob and the rest of the Gilewicz family in my thoughts and prayers.  Andrea Vallee Van Essen (Nancy Vallee's daughter).

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Stephen Thomas Gilewicz

30 juillet 1961 – 23 février 2016

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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