Stephen J Vande Sande

Steve was preceded in death by his parents George and Freda Vande Sande. He is survived by his beautiful wife of more than 52 years, Catherine Hillebrand Vande Sande, with whom he shared not only marriage, but countless escapades and an enduring, profound partnership.

Steve was born in Rochester, New York, January 15, 1949 and grew up with his co-conspirator, accomplice and brother, Thomas J Vande Sande (wife Terri, their sons Lucas and Jeffrey). Steve graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland in 1965. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at Naval Weapons Center China Lake, CA, and in true Steve-style, fortuitously avoided Viet Nam’s front lines instead enjoying the desert sands for the rest of his enlistment.

After he and Catherine wed in 1972, she helped put him through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he graduated in 1975. While still in school, the couple welcomed son, Brian Todd, (son Stephen Todd), and daughter Stephanie Lynn (husband Mark Frazelle, son John Stephen, daughter Casey Marie). Shortly thereafter, their third child, Rachel Dyan (Dr. Mary Kay Gorman), completed the family. Steve is also survived by his beloved stepmother, Elzbieta Vande Sande.

Steve was a pilot, engineer, entrepreneur, and a most prolific salesman. He was a dedicated 25-year member of the Loyal Order of the Moose (Manchester Lodge #699) and congregant at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church. Steve never met a stranger—his sharp wit, intelligence and astute understanding of people made him unmistakably intuitive. Truly, Steve lived life with gusto and we will sorely miss his friendship, companionship, delightful conversation, and clever humor.

Visitation will be at Woody Huguenot Chapel, January 29th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Our celebration of Steve’s life and legacy will follow on January 30th Woody Huguenot Chapel beginning at 11am, subsequent interment at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, where he will be buried with full military honors. To honor lasting memories of Steve, donations may also be made to the American Cancer Society in his name.