Steven Albert Wawra

Steve, aka “Papa Steve” (or “Silly Papa” if you are Max), was born Steven Albert Wawra on April 7, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. Steve departed this world on September 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. The son of Cecil Z. Wawra and Verena (Vreni) Schupbach, Steve was a popular kid from early on. At each school he attended, his friends were numerous and he frequently found himself as the leader of the pack. And by pack, we mean those who walked the line between socially acceptable and not. Jack Kuhl, we are looking at you in whichever heaven you’ve landed. The summer months of his teens and early twenties saw him lifeguarding in Newport Beach and making lifelong friends. Steve's educational accomplishments included graduation from South Pasadena High School in 1958, where he enjoyed his time on the football field. Unbeknownst to him, his future bride was on his cross-town rival’s side of the field cheering on her San Marino Titans, yet they would not meet for another 20 years. His quest for knowledge took him across the globe to the Sorbonne University in Paris for a year before he returned to UCLA to earn a degree in Economics in 1963. He furthered his education at UCLA Law School, graduating in 1967. His career as a legal professional was marked by his work with notable law firms and corporations, including serving as General Counsel for Mitsui Real Estate Ltd and Vidal Sassoon (much to the delight of his sister-in-law Kathy who was able to get free haircuts). Later, Steve took his legal wisdom into the fields of mediation and arbitration with the Mediation Center and State and Federal Courts. An active member of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Steven's faith was central to his life. He was also a dedicated member of the American Bar Association and the UCLA Alumni Association, go Bruins!

Steve's love for the outdoors was evident in his frequent trips to the High Sierras, where he indulged in fishing, hiking, and snow skiing. He found peace at local beaches, especially Crystal Cove, and he was delighted in walking the paths of Newport Beach over the years with his various golden retrievers. His adventurous spirit led him and Linda on travels across Europe, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Tahiti, and many other fabulous places. But his favorite trips were to Switzerland and Italy to see family and indulge in fine wine and food. Although we will always be perplexed by his devotion to oatmeal, salmon, and green vegetables.

Steve is predeceased by his parents Cecil and Vreni, aunts and uncles Vreni and Rudy Schupback, and Maudeline and Maurice Eichenberger, as well as his sister-in-law Ann Gustafson and brother-in-law Ron Othmer. Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Linda, with whom he shared 48 beautiful years of marriage. Their union, celebrated on July 8, 1978, was filled with love, adventure, laughter, and the companionship of their cherished dogs. Together, they raised a family that includes stepdaughters Kristine and Keri, and five grandchildren: Amberlyn, Madison “Max”, Matthew (Savanna), Thomas (Tanna), and Sage. He also leaves behind his brothers Michael (Kathy), Alex (Babette), Matthew, and Lawrence; nephews Christopher (Jessica), Alex (Valentina), Edouard (Alessandra), Robert, and David; and nieces Lori, Lauren, and Victoria.

Known for his genuine kindness, Steve was the type of person who truly listened to and cared about others. His intelligence and humor endeared him to many, and his role as a devoted husband, steadfast father, and loving grandfather was paramount in his life. A service to honor Steve's life will take place on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Angels, located at 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. All are welcome and details of a reception to follow will be shared at that time.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Memory Care staff at Clearwater Newport Beach and Hoag Hospice staff for their dedicated care of Steve during the past year. Though dementia took many memories and eventually his body, it never diminished the profound love he shared. This love remains an eternal gift to all who knew him.

In heartbreak and in love,

Michael Wawra and Keri Marrs