Steven A. Lerner

Steve was many things — a father, brother, grandfather, partner, prankster, collector, accountant, and storyteller — often all in the same afternoon. He believed a good story was better than the truth.

Born in 1945 to Martin and Charlotte Lerner, Steve grew up in Providence with his siblings Phil and Marge and his best friend Neil. Mischievous from the start, he and Phil spent much of their youth pranking their little sister.

At 14, Steve was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a challenge that could have slowed him down but instead fueled his determination. A proud recipient of the Joslin Clinic’s 50-Year Medal, he was a champion of diabetic education, clinical trials, and finding ways to get free diabetic supplies.

A born entrepreneur, Steve always had a side hustle: from a college-era pregnancy testing lab to a biker bar, to an ever-expanding trove of gambling paraphernalia. Even his official career as a Certified Public Accountant was another way to stay involved with his hobbies - he was the treasurer for both SAM #9 Harry Houdini Chapter and the New England Magic Collectors Association.

In the early 1970s, Steve met Aleda Zitzer in Boston. They married and shared over 30 years together, raising two daughters, Cara and Rachel. As a father, he turned math into cribbage and backgammon lessons and language into crossword puzzles, teaching his girls that life is unpredictable. You roll with the punches and play the hand you’re dealt.

Later in life, he found joy with his partner, Trudy Burdman, who inspired “Renaissance Dad,” a man who traveled, laughed, and loved deeply.

He is survived by Trudy; daughters Cara (Chris) and Rachel (Nate); grandchildren Mathilde and Gavin; sister Marge; sister-in-law Carole; nieces, grand-nephews, dear friends, and fellow magic lovers. He was predeceased by his brother Phil.

A funeral service will be held Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10:30 am in Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, 458 Hope Street, Providence. Burial will follow in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick. A luncheon will be held at his sister-in-law, Carole Lerner's residence on Monday 4/6 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm with Shiva to follow 2:30 to 4:00 pm. Shiva will continue at Carole's residence on Tuesday 4/7 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday 4/11 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at his daughter Rachel's residence in Connecticut.

Those unable to attend services may join via livestream at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88600344122?pwd=IFa6t0jClb3u501bKyjpadvRd8loMo.1

In lieu of flowers, please call a loved one and tell them a joke with a terrible pun in his honor.

Donations can be made in his name to Breakthrough T1D at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2373.donation=form1&df_id=2373&mfc_pref=Tand or

to the New England Magic Collectors Association's Steve Lerner Fund for Magic History at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/QE55YEMGMDVZG