Stephen John Salay

Steve was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Columbus, Ohio to attend The Ohio State University. He earned his degree in Civil Engineering and became a licensed professional engineer in 1987. Steve built a long and respected career with the City of Columbus, where he worked as a civil engineer and division manager before retiring in 2017.

Outside of work, Steve had many talents and interests. He was a guitarist, a woodworker, a handyman, a fisherman, and a collector. Above all else, though, his greatest joy and proudest role was the one he held since 1988—being Amy’s loving husband and a devoted father to Rachel and Stephen.

Steve and Amy built a happy home in Dublin, Ohio, where they raised their family and shared countless memories. As a family, they enjoyed traveling to Canada, the beach, Europe, and the western United States, and finding joy in everyday moments spent together.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 38 years, Amy; daughter Rachel and her husband, William Lindsay; son Stephen William and his partner, Maya Buening; sister Mary (Bob) Martoncik; brother John S. Salay; nieces and nephews Brian (Judith), Susan (Dragos), Amy (Mark), Rob (Carolina), and Scott (Diana); his best friend, Randy Soergel; and his beloved rescue dogs, Roo and Bebe.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes Kuklinca and Stephen S. Salay; his sisters, Joan (John) Green, Emily (Bruce) Lowerre, and Janet (Bill) Wassel; and his dear friends, Glenn, Mike, and his cousin, Eric (Terri) Fantaske.

Steve will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, deep love for his family, and the lives he touched. He will be loved and missed forever.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. at

First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus OH 43212.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to RescuedOhio or The Glioblastoma Foundation. Or, take a $20 bill and slip it to someone who needs it. Tell them it's from Steve.