Steven Gregory Netoskie

Steve was challenged with a rare genetic condition and a host of physical challenges and was not expected to survive to adulthood. Steve, along with his parents, and especially his mother, proved the experts wrong. Their journey was through uncharted territory as the prevailing view at the time of his birth was to institutionalize those with severe intellectual challenges.

Tasks that were easy for most came slowly for Steve, but they came. Our celebrations were about the small victories that are often overlooked. He grew to love music and stories rooted in happiness and optimism. Mr. Rogers will always feel like family! He loved his brothers. He was well known to many in the medical community for his condition, but more importantly, most learned over time from Steve and his mother the meaning of dedication, the importance of patience, the value of humility, and the need communicate effectively.

He battled throughout his life with little verbal ability. However, his mother was his voice. Though many doubted his ability to understand, he knew much. His peacefulness belied his strength. Over the last several years, he battled with heart, renal, and brain tumor challenges. He was brave and accepting through it all. We will miss his sweet smiles and warm hello’s. He would rarely, if ever, say goodbye. Nor will we, as his memory and spirit will always be with us.

Steve is survived by his parents Barbara and John; brothers Mark and Neil and their spouses Paul and Wendy; nephews Nathan and Nelson and niece Hannah. We wish to express our gratitude to the many dedicated clinicians, teachers, and friends that made our journey a little easier along the way.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Steven’s life at a memorial service at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77494 (281.395.7070) on January 9, 2016 at 10 AM. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those that wish to express a gesture to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.