Stephen John Fiondo

The son of Silvia Gudy (Netto) & John Philip Fiondo, he was born on November 12, 1958 in Detroit. He attended Carleton Elementary, University of Liggett Middle School, and graduated from South Lake High School in the class of 1976.

As a child Steve’s musical parents nurtured a love for music which began when he was gifted a phonograph at the age of 5 in which he entertained himself for hours listening to a variety of records. Around the age of 10 Steve received a bright red Epiphone electric guitar from his parents and began taking weekly music lessons. By high school Steve was involved in the choir, marching band as well as playing in the band “Lowdown” in 1975 with school friends. Considered by some to be a musical genius he also had perfect pitch.

After high school Steve became a very accomplished guitar/musician and played in many bands throughout his career. Steve played at weddings and private parties with “New Romance” for several years.

Although an avid fan of Jimi Hendrix and Van Halen much of his professional music career was performing at various Greek night clubs in downtown Detroit such as the Bouzouki Lounge and Mykonos Club during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. He played Greek music with “The Spartans” and had a lengthy career with “Dino and the Continentals”. Steve, who is of Italian heritage, became Greek by musical association and his love of the Greek people, culture, food and music.

In addition to playing guitar, bass and singing back-up in various bands Steve took great pride in teaching at Olympic Music and later teaching guitar, using his beloved electric Epiphone, at Eligio Music in Warren, for many years. Mentoring musicians and teaching budding musicians became a lifelong passion for Steve. In more recent years Steve would have occasional gigs with friends playing Greek music on the keyboard and Rock music on his bass or guitar. At his home he frequently held jam sessions with musician friends.

After years of being a professional musician and a brief period in real estate Steve attended Macomb Community College (MCC) and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree graduating Cum Laude in December 1990. He continued studies at MCC again graduating Cum Laude in May 1991 with an Associate of General Studies. In August of 1993 Steve graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering where he was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and Tau Beta Pi. Steve’s electronics engineering career lead to employment with Siemens, Chrysler, Takata and North American Lighting. Over the past few years Steve worked as a consultant under his business Creative Custom Electronics, LLC.

Steve will be remembered for his quirkiness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, intellect, musical talent, knowledge of many subjects and being versed in esoteric matters. A self-described “Gourmand” Steve was heartily interested in good food and was known to say he “collected restaurants” which simply meant he was open to new food experiences and held fond memories of past culinary adventures. He enjoyed making huge batches of meaty spaghetti sauce based upon Mama Rosa’s recipe (Steve’s paternal grandmother) as well as numerous containers of spinach pie, using a personal recipe he refined over the years, which even his Greek friends thought was the best they had ever eaten.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, John Philip Fiondo; and maternal/paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Kathlynn M. Kellogg; mother, Silvia Gudy Fiondo; sister, Andrea (Michael Hendrian) Fiondo; niece, Jennifer Moy; nephews, Michael Moy and Christopher (Melissa) Moy; mother-in-law, Betty Kellogg; sister-in-law Kristine (Gene) Moy; in addition to extended family and many friends.

In his lifetime Steve cultivated many friendships within an eclectic group of people that complemented his many diverse interests and nourished his soul. Steve was a unique man who was always true to himself and lived his life his way.

Per Steve’s wishes cremation will take place and he will be interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Steve’s wife, Kathlynn Kellogg, P.O. Box 224, Fraser, MI 48026 to be used towards his funeral expenses. A celebration of life luncheon for Steve will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 1:00-5:00pm at VFW Post 6691, 17075 Anita Ave., Fraser, MI. [Please Call 586-481-0443 to RSVP or to obtain more information on the celebration]. Memorial contributions can be made to the Solanus Casey Center, Attn: Fr. David Preuss, Director 1780 Mount Elliott Street in Detroit, MI 48207, or online at solanuscenter.org.

To sign the online guestbook or send a message to Steve's family, please visit: www.NationalCremation.com