I'm  so sorry about the loss of Steve, He was a great guy with a wonderful  personality, laughing  and much more.
My condolences  go out to all .
I will never forget the goodtimes I  worked for the both  of you.
Where it all  began.
Again, I'm  sorry

Amy, Carly and Rachel,
I just  found out about Steve’s passing. I want to express my sincerest condolences.

WOW!  Our condolences. An amazing pit master and more so, an incredible person!
Thoughts and prayers. 
Dave and Theresa

I’m so sorry for your loss. Steve was a great man and a school mate. He never judge people he always was there to help if you had a question or needed help in culinary at school.  Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Dear Amy, Carly, and Rachel,
The entire Wood family is sending you our deepest condolences. Steve's loss is a loss for the entire community. What a warm-hearted, friendly, generous person Steve was! I have great memories of end-of-season soccer parties at Firefly's with the soccer girls and their families.  I know Zoe really appreciated the camaraderie and all she learned when she worked for Firefly's catering. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time.
--Lisa, Scott, Lily & Zoe Wood

Amy-  We will miss seeing Steve’s big smile at Firefly’s, such an amazing, warm guy. Even when the restaurant was packed, Steve would be greeting people with hugs and handshakes and checking in on tables.  Our son Jake worked for Steve one summer on the catering team.  The hours were long and the work was hard but Jake loved working for Steve.  Steve’s energy was contagious.

Amy & John O’Donnell

We are all so blessed to have known Steve. He taught us about passion, community, intention, commitment. He instilled in all of us to love, to dream, to live fully.  We are grateful for our time with him. May we all honor him by loving a little harder, dreaming a bit bigger and to always take care of those around us. Love you Steve.

The Holman Family

So very sorry for your lose. Our sincere sympathy. 
Sheila and Bob Rosenblatt.

Bill and I got to know Steve as regulars at FireFly's BBQ, but it didn’t take long for Steve to treat us like family. He would always come over to our table, push Bill aside to give me a big hug and a kiss, and then shake Bill's hand. I’m going to miss so much about Steve, but most of all, his big hugs and that incredible smile.

Amy, Carly and Rachel - I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I know we are all shocked. He was someone you were always happy to see. He was kind, smart, adventurous, innovative, a great dad, and always a good friend. My favorite memory was when Steve and I took Carly and Sydney to Disney when they were very young. When we were in the hotel room both girls drew a picture with crayons. When Sydney showed me hers, I said it was perfect. When Carly showed Steve, he gave her some real input on how she could make the drawing better. Carly scrunched up her brow and went right back to work. Sure enough she made the picture better. It was a lesson I never forgot.  I am so sorry he is gone. I will truly miss him. Love Tom

We send our condolences to the family and extended firefly's family. 
Steve was a good person with a big heart. His passion for his craft will be truly missed. 

Michael E. Getman
Missy M. Maxfield-Getman

Dear DeeDee and Family ,
so sorry to hear of Seven's passing , heartbeaking news . Our thought and prayers are with you and your Family at this most difficult time . 

Cheryl Oriel Ross

Amy, we just got the news—so very sorry.  Our thoughts are with you and Carly and Rachel

I am stunned and saddened to see the news of Steve's passing. He was big supporter of WEEI when we first started back in the early 90's in large part due to his friendship with Eddie Andelman. Steve catered many of our events and was always first in line to donate food to help the charities that we supported. Such a great guy and a huge loss for the restaurant industry in Massachusetts. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Steve never missed a chance to make our kids feel special, to teach them what was behind the curtain and all it took to make the restaurant run. They loved him, and hated the nights when we’d make it there to find out he had the (rare) night off. We love you all more than words and will forever appreciate and respect how Steve turned his love of food, family and generosity into something we could all share.

I FIRST SAW STEVE AT HIS FIRST DAY ON EARTH AS A PREMIE AT THE HOSPITAL. AT TIMES I BABYSAT HIM AND AM DEVASTATED AT HIS PREMATURE DEATH.  HE ALWAYS WAS A NO NONSENSE SMILING GENTLEMAN AND HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED.

"COUSIN"  JACK WEISS

As most everyone else has stated, Steve was an incredible person, both as a restauranteur and as a friend and confidant. My family and I were first made aware of Steve after Tennessee’s was opened in Metrowest and soon after I learned he was a cousin of a friend of mine. While Tennessee’s was a terrific “dipping his big toe” into the water, Steve dove in head first with Firefly’s! Even Firefly’s has been a growing space through the years, and with each step, Steve’s personality and innovative desires grew the space into a spot he and his family could be really proud of, and a space the City of Marlborough could boast as a must-visit venue to eat, drink and be merry! As a Marlborough city resident, Steve’s input into city affairs was instrumental in the further growth of the city and there was a certain prestige in having Steve Uliss as an unofficial city Ambassador! It’s true we take things for granted too much in life, I can’t remember the last conversation we had together, but I know this….I am a better person, for whatever that conversation  contained. My family and I send their love and best wishes to Steve’s wife and daughters. Nothing can replace a beloved husband or proud father, but just know, his spirit will remain in the hearts of all the folks Steve touched forever.

Steve was just an amazing person.
His love for BBQ and Bourbon shows his zesty love of entertainment and friends to be gathered around for everyone to enjoy. 
last week at Firefly’s. I had maid reservations and there was a slight mix up with my table. 
Steve just being Steve. Said Paul your family here. Don’t worry about a thing. He sat my girlfriend and her parents at the table we originally reserved. And brought me a bourbon on the house.  
All my love and prayers to you Amy and the kids. And to all his extended family.  
May he watch over you and guide you. 
As he sips bourbon and BBQ’s in a place someday we will get to sit around to watch over the ones we loved.  
RIP Mr Steve. 
Thanks for everything bud ….

I first met Steve 30+ years ago. We developed a professional friendship and I realized he was an unusual individual. He "never met a person he did not like". 

My warmest memories of him will always be his initial greeting, "Len, my friend." My wife, Harriet, and I will miss him. The only waste in his life was its terrible shortness.

The culinary scholarship program will keep Steve's legacy of helping others alive for untold years to come. 



May his memory be a blessing.

Eespecially to Amy, Carly and Rachel….but also to everyone grieving Steve,
Rarely in life are any of us fortunate enough to  know someone with Steve’s genuine qualities.  Aside from his talents, his inclusive, loving, caring, and fun way was rare and precious.  Hold onto memories until we meet him again.  
💕

Dear Amy.  Steve and you used to come to our restaurant and Steve and I would “shop talk”
He was a true professional and we got along great. He will truly be missed and you’ve got great memories to carry you through this troubled time. Be well and love to your family
Joan and Ed Sanderson 
Formerly of Joan & Ed’s Deli

More like a father to me than my own at times. There was no other way to describe him other than larger than life. You felt special, seen, and loved whenever you were with Steve. Even more so when he was with the lights of his life, his three girls. That’s just who he was. I feel grateful to have known him.

On behalf of Hadassah Metrowest, The Marks Plotkin Family and many of us at Congregation Sha Arei Shalom our hearts are broken. Steve was such a Mensch and was one of those people you were happy seeing, even if it had been awhile. He seemed to smile a lot and care how how we were as well as our kids Josh and Leah. From catering several events to seeing him at Soccer Games or Synogogue back in the day, it’s hard to imagine the world with him. 

To Amy, Rachel and Carly take one moment at a time. One memory at a time. You are cared about so much by the community. Sending love and wind beneath your broken wings that will heal. 

RIP to a truly wonderful man that is gone way too early. Steve, rest easy. 

Love all the Plotkins
Stephanie, Jon, Josh, Taylor and Leah

My deepest condolences to the family and the Firefly’s family. I was fortunate to meet Steve when I interviewed him for an article for Worcester Pulse Magazine and have to say that it was certainly an honor. Steve loved telling me about the business, but what he really glowed about was when he was talking about his family. Rest in peace, Steve. I’m blessed to have met you.

Our most sincere condolences to Amy, Carly, Rachel and the entire Uliss family. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Bob, Sandy, Emma and Ethan Landry

To the Uliss family and friends,
   My heart breaks for you during this incredible time of sorrow.  I didn't know him except for watching him on The Phantom Gourmet but I loved his passion and his warmth.  He seemed like everyone's friend.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in your memories and knowing that you have a special angel 😇.  I share your sorrow.
Sincerely,
Tina Fuller
Franklin, MA

Faye and I had fond memories getting together as children  with Steve and his family.  Growing up our family had a special relationship. As we got older, I brought my children and grandchildren to the family gatherings at the restaurant.  We always enjoyed our times with the family and great food. 
He always welcomed us with the best bear hugs and kisses.  His generosity was beyond belief.  My family will miss him dearly!  

Love,
Michelle, Larry, Adam and Eric and their families

Steven will truly be  missed by my whole family,  He was so generous and so giving whenever the family came to His restaurant. I myself had a special place in my heart, Steve was born the day my Dad was buried, his middle name Aaron was after  my Dad Abraham. Also, when Steve was going to Johnson and Wales, he helped me make Stan a 50th Birthday Party. I will always remember your sweet smile and your hugs and kisses.You will always be in my heart, Cousin Lynne

Dear Amy , Carly and Rachel
How sad we were to hear of the loss of Steven. Our hearts are heavy for your loss. My husband Peter did business with Steve and that’s how I got to know him  If you wanted ribs it was Firefly’s . 
My memory I share with you is how Steve always went out of his way to see his patrons with that big beautiful smile.  He always spoke of his family I only would describe Steve as “A man with a Beautiful Soul”. Thank You for sharing this wonderful man with us all
Hang on tight to one another 
Joanne & Peter Simmarano

Steve was a warm loving  person. He was always there for the people he loved. He held a plate and fed me to be sure I ate at my wedding. When I called Amy to tell her my daughter was born, Steve was ready to book a flight to DC to come help us.  My heart goes out to Amy, Carly, Rachel, and the rest of Steve’s family.  RIP Steve!

Thank you for all the lifelong memories and lessons. I will never forget our barbecue contests throughout New England. You were a huge part in my journey to becoming a man and I can’t thank you enough.

Amy, Carly, Nick, Rachel and Scott,  

Our thoughts are you all of you now and in the tough days ahead. Steven could not be more proud of his family and would want you to continue to shine and smile as you navigate this new curve in life. Know you are very much loved and we are here for you all.

Much love and perpetual hugs.

The Sturgis Family

My words to Steve and family:
Steve and Amy have been like second parents to my daughter Natasha who has been best friends with their daughter Rachel since preschool. I don’t know him as a pitmaster or owner of unbelievable restaurant and gathering place although those are marvelous achievements in and of themselves. I know him and will remember him as a great dad. A pillar of strength and support to his girls who adored him and whom he adored. Whenever my daughter was with them I knew she was not only safe but that she was loved and treated like one of their own. Because that is how Steve and Amy are. They love unconditionally and are always there to lend a hand, to check in, to protect and to help heal. This loss is a big blow to this beautiful family which resonates to many other families whom they touched with their kindness and love. My heart goes out to Steve’s girls who will get through this terrible shock together, lovingly and with the support of their many friends, as dad would have wanted them to. Steve may you rest in peace – although your work here is done, your legacy, inspiration and example will live on forever. You have been and will always be a great dad to many which is the biggest accomplishment of all.

To my dear friend Dee, (Steve’s Mom) and family: words cannot convey the sadness we all feel for all of you. May you find strength in each other knowing Steve would insist you do so moving forward in his name.

OBITUARY

Steven Aaron Uliss

April 11, 1963 – November 22, 2024

Stanetsky Memorial Chapel

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