Steven M. Baranowski

Steven “Steve” M. Baranowski, a resident of Ossining, NY, formerly Croton-on-Hudson, NY passed away on July 12, 2026. He was 57 years old. Steve was born on August 11, 1968 in Rochester, NY. He worked as a Licensed Social Worker for adoptions, dedicating his life to Tikkun Olam. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, godfather, and friend. Steve was known for his captivating and warm smile, his youthful embrace of and exuberance for all things big and small, and his effortless and total genuineness and friendliness. He made an indelible impression on all he met and those who worked with him. Steve’s real passion was to make foster care and adoption a much more acceptable, friendly and positive life experience. Steve was his wife’s best friend, rock and her everything. Steve was the best girl dad to his two daughters. He loved planning and making memories with his family. He was a supportive father figure to many of his daughters' friends and peers in the Croton community, many of whom knew him as ‘Uncle Steve.’ Steve was a dedicated Yankees, Sabres, and Bills fan. To meet Steve was to have an instant friend and confidant.

He is survived by his loving wife Lisa (Nitzberg) his daughters Lara & Emma Baranowski, his mother Nance Baranowski of Elma, NY, his parent-in-laws Shirley and Ira Nitzberg, brother-in-law to Beth Nitzberg & Mark Cariker, and Uncle to Kasey and Mariel Cariker, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and numerous special friends. He is also survived by his birth mother, Margaret Zambito, his siblings Thomas Jr., Susan, and Jennifer and the rest of his birth family. And his furry best friend, Zac.

He was predeceased by his loving grandparents Warren and Frances Bleekman, and Snickers Baranowski.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to:

CASE (Center for Adoption Support and Education)

The Blood Cancer Society (previously The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)