Stephen Joseph Bliss

Born in 1953 in Utica, NY and raised in nearby Barneveld, “Steve” graduated from Notre Dame High School, Paul Smith’s College (Forestry), and SUNY Polytechnic-Utica where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Before earning his bachelor’s degree, he worked for several years as a tool-and-die maker. His engineering career spanned more than three decades, during which time he worked on projects in bar code readers, mobile communications, and satellite-based, handheld phones.

Although he contracted polio as a toddler, Steve never let his affected leg slow him down. He played hockey in upstate New York, loved to swim, camp and hike—especially with his children. At one time he participated in a triathlon. He lived several places after leaving upstate New York, including Florida, Virginia, Sweden, Arizona, California, and for a few months in Wyoming at Yellowstone National Park. He spent nearly 30 years in North Carolina.

He was a bright and quiet man whose hobbies, over his lifetime, included playing guitar, beekeeping, hunting, camping, tending to a small farm, making pottery, cooking holiday meals, making bread, and watching sports - especially Carolina Hurricanes’ hockey. Steve loved his church family dearly no matter where he landed, and was an active part of the Body of Christ in several ministries. He helped lead worship, run the sound board, lead Bible studies, and offered insights about living a Godly life by truly showing the love of Christ and understanding scripture.

Most of all, though, Steve loved his family dearly - his parents, his nine siblings and their spouses and children, and his own seven kids. In 1980, feeling a strong calling of the Lord, Steve married Bernadette, his beloved wife of 45 years, who at the time was widowed with five children; they would go on to have two more daughters.

Steve is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Joyce Bliss, his brothers-in-law George and Jack,and sister-in-law Karen. He is survived by his siblings John (Rose) Bliss, Mary Zacek, Jim (Evie) Bliss, Anne (Steve) Waskewicz, Mike Bliss, Pat (April) Bliss, Kathy Callow, Terry (Ken) Suszinsky, and Joe (Cindy) Bliss. He is also survived by his wife, Bernadette, and his children Ross (Susan) Perkins, Adrienne Williams, Matt (Lindsey) Perkins, Lauren (Jared) Solomon, Joel (Kelly) Perkins, Stephanie (Matthew Sr.) Malec, and Danielle (Mike) Rusher.

He is dearly missed by all, including his grandchildren; Morgan (Hayden), Madysonn (Jason), Jackson, Esther, Kempton, Evan, Reinor, Amelia, Kate, Annabelle, Wren, Booker, Matthew Jr., Carmela, and Asher, great-grandchildren Lorelai and Lawson, as well as several dear nieces, nephews, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the SECU House in Chapel Hill. secufh.org/donate

Arrangements are provided by McLaurin Funeral Home. The service will be conducted by Pastor Matt Evans, to be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Christ the King Church, 1082 Amelia Church Road., Clayton, North Carolina, with a reception to follow.