Stephen McSpirit

Born on September 24, 1963, he was a lifelong resident of Livingston with a strong sense of duty and community. He graduated from Newark Academy and attended East Stroudsburg University before stepping up to serve his country in the National Guard. His commitment to public service continued right in his hometown when he joined the Livingston Police Department. He dedicated 34 years to protecting others and eventually retired as a respected Sergeant in 2021.

Family was the cornerstone of Stephen's life. He is survived by his devoted mother, Marjorie, his son, Stephen, along with his partner, Abby, and his ex-wife, Theadora. He leaves behind his siblings Dori McBride, Susan McSpirit, and Timothy "Tug" McSpirit (Dawn). He is preceded in death by his father Edward.

Stephen's memory will be cherished by his aunts Linda Zielke and Judith Jones, wife of the late Donald T. Jones, former Livingston Chief of Police, and by his cousins William B. Jones II (Aida), Edward Otto Zielke, Jason Zielke, Lauren Matrale (Alex), Michele Jones-Ferrell (Bill), Noelle Hart (Brian), Jacqueline Bregman, and Steven Bregman (Christin). Stephen is reunited with his cousin Donald Jones, II. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Stephen served as one of the first responders, bravely helping in the search to locate Donald, who perished in the tragedy. He will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, many other cousins, and lifelong friends, including Frank Emblemn, Bill Ferrell, Ed Lynch, Paul and Phyllis Marks, Maria Prassinos, and Andrea, Robert, and Samantha Vezzosi.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Stephen's life at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave in Livingston. Visitation hours are Tuesday, June 9, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S Livingston Ave in Livingston. Interment will follow at 11:30 AM at Restland Memorial Park, 77 Deforest Ave in East Hanover. A repast will be held at 1:00 PM at Hanover Manor in East Hanover.

Fond memories, stories, and expressions of sympathy may be shared online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/livingston-nj/stephen-mcspirit-12915104 for the McSpirit family.

In lieu of flowers, the McSpirit family asks for donations to the Collie Rescue, Inc. (https://ww2.savecollies.org/lend-a-paw/)