Steve Rontell

Steve Rontell passed away on November 11, 2023, at the age of 65. Born in Fresno, California, to parents Ed and Marge Rontell, Steve attended St. Helen’s Catholic School, Kings Canyon Junior High School, and Roosevelt High School. He attended Fresno State, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Marketing; he was a multiple recipient of the Dean’s List and received the Sales and Marketing Award from the School of Business. Steve supported and enjoyed Fresno State athletics for decades as a proud alumnus.

A prominent professional and philanthropist in Fresno, Steve began his professional career at the age of 12, washing cars at Rontell’s, his father’s car dealership in Fresno, and eventually worked his way up to sales manager. In 1986, Steve made a career change to commercial real estate and joined the Fresno retail department of Colliers International; he achieved Top Performer status for the past 32 consecutive years, was awarded Salesperson of the Year twice, received the Colliers International Retail MCA National Award in 2002 and the Colliers Everest Award in 2011, 2014, and 2019. Steve was one of the most accomplished brokers in the Central Valley, closing more than 1,300 transactions in his career. He was known for his honesty, expertise, and consistent attention to detail.

Steve loved and protected his family fiercely. He loved to spend time with them vacationing on the Central Coast or in the Sierra Nevadas, barbecuing their favorite meals, and sharing his favorite childhood TV shows with his kids. Steve was a generous friend to many and a respected member of his professional communities. He was a member of Rotary International for more than 30 years, received the Rotarian of the Year award from the Fig Garden Rotary Club of Fresno, and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to The Rotary Foundation. He was also an original member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters 300 Club.

Steve is survived by his best friend and wife of 33 years, Michelle; their children, Christina, Philip and wife, Gina, and Patrick; his mother, Marge; and sisters, Marilyn, and Carol and husband, Glenn. He was preceded in death by his father, Ed, and siblings, Cathie Ann and Eddie Jr.

A private funeral Mass was held for Steve on November 22, 2023, attended by his family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Steve’s name to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California: Bigs.org; or the Fig Garden Rotary Foundation: FigGardenRotary.org/community-investment.