Steve Kolomejec

On Monday, June 16, 2025, Steve Kolomejec, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away surrounded by his family at the age of 89.

Steve exemplified humility, generosity, love, patience, compassion, friendship, practicality, and family. Though life has its hills and valleys, his approach was always realistic and practical. He embodied St. Francis’s prayer, ‘change what you can, accept that what you cannot’ and move forward in life. He was always up for a good joke and had the most unique and wonderful laugh that made other people join in with laughter. His blue eyes were so mesmerizing that always warranted a kind and beautiful compliment from many.

He was born in a small village around Derventa, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1935. In 1957 he emigrated to Quebec, Canada. He eventually made his way to Detroit where he met the love of his life, Helen, married and had their three children. In 1977 they made their way out West and settled in San Jose. After retiring, he enjoyed working on all kinds of projects around the house, especially gardening, planting a variety of fruits and vegetables, and becoming popular in the neighborhood for his roses. His ultimate favorite pastime was being with his grandkids.

Steve was the eldest of 5. He is preceded in death by hIs brother, Franjo, who was killed in an auto accident at the young age of 23. His parents, Nikola and Emilija, and two sisters, Veronika and Marija.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Helen, children, Laura Radish (Nick), Richard (Silvana), Diane Bandov (Ivica), five grandchildren, Neven, Luka, Stefan, Nikolina, and Ivana, his younger sister Ljubinka Ibriks (Zdravko), nieces and nephews.

You are most graciously invited to join us on Sunday, June 29 for the rosary beginning at 5:30 pm at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Viewing for the public will be at 4:30 pm. A graveside service will take place on Monday, June 30, at 10:30 am in the St. Joseph Mausoleum of Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Afterwards the family is hosting a brunch in the Maridon reception hall at Lima Family. All are welcome.