Stephen James D'Lugos

Stephen James D’Lugos, born on November 23, 1944, in Pensacola, FL, passed away at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia on June 5th. He was the son of Robert Paul D’Lugos and Frances Coogan D’Lugos; and is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughter Leigh (Kristine), son Rob (Megan), five grandchildren: Andrew (Jess), Colby, Mary (Lontae), Matthew and Will.

A man of true faith, Steve briefly entered the seminary, studying to be a Catholic Brother. After much consideration, he left the seminary for a life of service with his beloved Marine Corps. He was a decorated Marine, serving in the Vietnam War and numerous other deployments around the globe. After 30 years of dedicated service as a Communications Officer, he retired in 1996 at the rank of Colonel. Upon retiring, he continued his career in telecommunications with Global One Communications, Sprint, and AT&T. Steve then spent another 12 years as a civil servant in support of his fellow Marines at Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA and retired in 2021.

Steve met and fell in love with Susan King at Florida State University in 1966, and the two married the following year. They shared the Marine Corps life together, raising their two children, and enjoyed many memorable trips together around the globe. Steve was a valued member of the Fredericksburg community for 44 years. He served on the board of directors for Empowerhouse advocating for survivors of domestic violence, volunteered for Mental Health America as a visitor for homebound seniors, was an usher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and also served on the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority committee.

“Gaga” adored his grandchildren, and proudly attended their activities and major life milestones. One of his greatest pleasures was attending FSU games with his kids and grandchildren.

Steve loved all things FSU! He graduated from FSU with degrees in both Business Administration and Criminal Justice. He was a Seminole Booster and a die-hard fan of Seminole football, baseball, women’s softball, and men’s and women’s basketball. With an uncanny resemblance to the beloved former FSU football coach, Bobby Bowden, Steve was on occasion mistaken for him at games. The Seminoles have lost one of their greatest fans.

Steve will be sorely missed by his companion of 15 years, his Jack Russell Terrier mix, Lily Mae. He loved Lily dearly and enjoyed taking her on walks through downtown Fredericksburg, lounging with her on his chest while enjoying a book, and sneaking people food and treats to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1009 Stafford Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 with Rev. Kevin Dansereau officiating. The family will greet friends after the mass until their departure at 11:45 AM, where everyone is invited to follow the family to National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico to lay Steve to rest with full military honors at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow at 2:00 PM at the Marine Corps Museum.

Those wishing to honor Steve’s legacy can contribute to Empowerhouse, 150 Olde Greenwich Drive, #101, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (https://www.empowerhouseva.org) or Fredericksburg SPCA, 10819 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (https://fredspca.org) in lieu of flowers.