Steve was a wonderful man. He helped us build our family when we adopted our daughter Isla. We are forever thankful and grateful. 
Andy & Nicola

Some months have gone by since Steve passed away but I still vividly remember our conversations about our "children" going to college, the possibility of other family members moving in, and our pets and their assumptiion that they could interrupt our face time meetings at any time.  I would love to know if there is a Celebration planned.  It would mean so much to meet his wonderful family and to be one of the many many people who want to share their love and admiration of Steve.

We are saddened by this news and so incredibly sorry for your loss. Steve just recently completed our home study for adoption and he was an absolute pleasure to have in our home. Extremely dedicated, helpful, and kind. We often talked about how fortunate we were to work with him. 

He played a pivotal role in building our family and we are so grateful to have heard him speak of his own family. He would just light up at the mention of his wife & daughters. Clearly a doting father and clearly a loving husband and son. 

Wishing you all healing and peace.
Delatour Family

We are deeply sorry for your loss.  I knew Steve when he was a child and young adult.  We were in youth group together at Faith Lutheran Church, Elma NY.  Nance- we are so sorry for your loss.  You were a great mom and from what I see here Steve became just the most beautiful person any parent could hope for.  To Steve's entire family- you are in our prayers.  Please know that Steve is in heaven and you will see him again, healthy and well.
Love,
Cindy Leidich (Lackie) Family

We are very sad to hear this news.  Steve was a wonderful person who was an essential support to us in building our family through adoption.  His sense of positivity, calm, and light heartedness help us through many unexpected challenges.  Who knew geo-caching is a great way to help a child though a life transition?!?!  We would not be where we are today as a family without his steady wisdom and guidance.  The unique way he framed situations was always the fresh take we needed. Thank you for being a steady guide on our journey, Steve.

He loved his family deeply and spoke of you all often. We wish you all peace as you process this deep loss.  May his memory be a blessing. 

Warmest Wishes,
The Courtwright Family
Nyack, NY

Dear Lisa,
Philippe and I are so saddened by this news. Steve was at the core of the tennis group at Premier. He is sorely missed. Steve touched countless  lives throughout his lifetime with his generosity,  kindness. Our hearts go out to you and the girls.❤️🙏

Judy & Philippe Rayer

Dear Lisa, I typed in Shirley Nitzberg just to see if mom and dad were okay.  I can't begin to tell you how shocked and saddened I was to see that your dear husband, Steve, passed away.  I was devastated to read his obituary.  I can't begin to imagine what happened.  Marty and I send our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you, your daughters and your entire family.  May his soul be for a blessing and may memories of wonderful years together sustain you at this sad time.  Kathy and Marty Smith

I am so sorry for your loss.  I worked beside him so many years ago, at Abbott House, and always recall his smile, his sense of humor and his passion.  I am deeply sorry- Carolyn Murphy

Without Steve, there would be no us. He guided us through our process after massive loss and mistreatment all the way to the happily ever after. We are eternally grateful and these words above about Steve are so perfect there’s not much else more to write. He was a happy soul, gave all he could to others, and was passionate about his work so that as a client, you could never even tell he was working. 

We’ll miss you, Steve. And we’ll think about you often as Dante’s story unfolds.

I am so deeply grateful to have had Steve in my life. He was the most incredible second dad from across the world anyone could ever dream of (and my near-birthday twin, a true Leo). I will cherish the beautiful moments we shared for the rest of my days. Living the American dream alongside such a happy and loving family was the most wonderful welcome I could have ever asked for.
Those two months in the US will forever be the best memories of my life, and I could never thank him enough for making them happen. I truly found my second family over there. He was an amazing father who brought so much joy and love to everyone around him, a pure, golden-hearted soul like you rarely find.
Lisa, Lara, Emma, you are in my thoughts every day, and I am sending you all the love and strength to face this painful loss. I know deep down that he will always be close to you, guiding you through everything you live. Snickers and Steve are watching over you together 🤍 I know we will all meet again in another lifetime, just as we always hoped.

Lisa, Lara, and Emma,
I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I hope that with time the loss you feel today will begin to be replaced with happy memories of all the love and laughter you shared as a family. From everything Lisa shared, Steve was clearly an amazing husband and a devoted father. I'm sorry you lost him all too soon.
With love,
Tiffany

Steve supported our family for several years during the emotionally trying adoption process. He was so caring and we were lucky to work with him. He'd often talk about his daughters Emma and Lara, of whom he was clearly proud. They should be proud too, to have had such a mensch for a dad. Our hearts are with his family and friends.

I am so sorry to hear of Steven's passing.  He was a student in my fifth grade class at Marilla Elementary School.   A very nice individual and an excellent student to have in my classroom.  Whenever I would  see Nance B., his adoptive mother, I would ask her to give Steven my best regards.
Rest in Peace, Steven, and God Bless.
With deep sympathy and sadness,
Michael Malyak
West Seneca, NY

Today, more than ever, we are remembering the wonderful memories we shared with Steve and his family—here in Paris, and in Marseille, where we spent time together.
There was always so much kindness and warmth. As for me, I can’t help but regret not taking the time to visit the Baranowski family during our trip to New York in August 2024. I am still deeply affected by that, and what has happened to Steve has touched me profoundly. I am heartbroken—we all are.
We always think we have time, but in the end, time is what has us.
I wish I could speak with Lisa and her daughters, to tell them how much we are thinking of them and to ask how we might be of any help or support.
We will keep the entire family in our prayers. I had missed Steve, and I will miss him even more now that I know I will never see him again in this world.
Please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family and to all who loved him.
 
Gélébart's family from France

Steve was more than a tennis acquaintance to us. He was warm, funny, supportive and just a great guy. He will be missed every time we step on the court and all the other times in between. Hope you’re hitting that kick ass serve wherever you are. 😍

Steve was a wonderful mentor in adoption work.  He was perceptive and funny and honest about tasks that could be completed better.  We had terrific meetings over zoom, and the family dog sometimes participated.  Steve’s passing comes as a complete shock and I already feel the loss to the adoption community and certainly to his lovely family and friends.    Zichronam livracha.  May his memory be for a blessing.

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's passing!  You have my prayers and sending love and peace to you all.  My memories of Steve are all good...such a wonderful guy in high school.  This is a terrible loss...

What an unbelievably heartbreaking and shocking loss. In the few times we’ve met Steve, it was so clear that he was a wonderful dad and a genuinely kind-hearted, generous human being. Emma has always spoken so highly of him. He’ll be warmly remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. 

Sending so much love to the entire family <3
Alisha & Jojo

When I read this yesterday, it simply hurt my heart. I could not find the words to comment. Steve was a wonderful friend in the good old days of CampPioneer and Concordia of which I have such fond memories of. Steve was always such a bright light, kind, and gracious, I was so happy to see the beautiful life he created for himself and his family. Seeing his picture here, yes, it’s an older man looking back, but that crooked smile is still the same, and I can just hear his unique laugh. He always seemed to have joy in his eyes and carried that with him. My deepest condolences to the Baronowski family. May he rest in peace.

Steve was a staple at our Sunday Morning Football games.  Always there to have some fun and share some laughs.  I’ll always remember that no matter how cold it was, he never wore gloves.  He will be missed.  My sympathies to Lisa, Lara, Emma, and the rest of Steve’s family.

Hi Lisa, It was a shocking news . However everybody has a journey towards his eternal father. After reading the dedicated life of Seve, it is quite sure Steve will reach to his final destination,  to the Lordship. 
Lord always has a special plan to his Dear ones. 
My condolences  and  prayers. 
Sunil Viswanathan

We are so sad to hear about Steve’s passing. We were very fortunate to have met him and have him help us navigate our family’s adoption journey. He was incredibly kind, genuine (and funny!) - you could feel his passion for bringing families together and felt he truly cared about our family. Thank you, Steve. Our hearts are with you, and your family and loved ones.

Steve had a big laugh and a big heart.   He was generous and kind.  He worked very hard  in many ways to make those around him happy.  

He was not a great tennis player but he was a terrific mixed doubles tennis team captain - and that is not as easy as it may sound - understanding that it was, above all, about everyone having a good time.   And he made that happen.  Just by being Steve.  

He was a friend of mine.

We are so deeply saddened to hear about Steve’s passing. He was such a great person. He was kind, humble and caring. The world is a better place because he was in it. Lisa, Lara and Emma, we are so sorry for this huge loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
The Yurek Family

I know Steve mostly from tennis at premier,  taking clinics and go to the Valerio restaurant afterwards. Very cordial. I would love to say more  but this memo box wouldn't let me.

We had the great luck to have Steve as our social worker for adoption. We adored him. He truly cared about us and us starting a family. He was an extraordinary person who we’ll be inspired by for years to come. Our hearts are with Steve’s family and to everyone who feels his loss.

Steve was a great friend, from his Camp Pioneer days and beyond.  I hadn’t seen him since I worked at Concordia and we had a great catch up on his work for NASW.  I will remembered his smile, laughter and enthusiasm. I was blessed to know Steve.   Love to your family.

Jayne and I are so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. We spent many years together as part of the Croton AYSO family, always trying to make a fun and safe place for the children of Croton. 

Our condolences to Lisa, the kids and Steve’s family and friends. 

Lee and Jayne Karlin

Steve was only in our lives a short while when we moved to Croton in 2020. In that short time he made friends with us all, gave our son his first basketball hoop, dog-sitted, drank Guinness and became a great neighbor. I'm so sad to hear of his untimely passing and send condolences to Lisa, Lara and Emma 
The O'Keeffe family @ 18 Glengary Road.

I am so sorry for this huge loss. My condolences go out to you and your family. Thinking of you during this very difficult time. 
 Sincerely,
Jill Shapiro

We still can’t believe that Steve is gone, he was such a big part of our lives. Steve had a big, kind and generous heart. We will miss him so, so much.

So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing.  We met years ago playing volleyball at premier health club.  We had a great group of volleyball friends and played together for many years.  Steve had the best laugh and was always smiling.Thoughts for Lisa and the girls during this very difficult time.  
  Kurt Pelaccio

OBITUARY

Steven M. Baranowski

August 11, 1968 – July 12, 2026

Edward F. Carter Funeral Home

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