Steven Fred Lewis

Steven Fred Lewis, 77, 0f Boca Raton, Florida passed away peacefully at Boca Raton Regional Hospital on December 13, 2025. A devoted husband, father, mentor and scholar Steven will be remembered for his immense kindness, quiet humility and unwavering optimism, qualities that defined his professional life as well as his extraordinary personal journey.

Born in September 15, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York, Steven grew up with a strong sense of curiosity and an early love for learning and athletics. He went to Tilden High School and graduated with honors. He was the Vice President of his class, voted Most Popular in a class of over 1000 students and played football, baseball and soccer. He then went to Brooklyn College in 1970 and was a member of the ZBT fraternity before earning his Masters degree from Columbia University in 1971. His intellectual drive led him to pursue dual doctorates, first from Stanford University in 1977 and then from the University of Copenhagen in 1978. That same year, he was awarded the prestigious George Marshall Fellowship marking the beginning of a celebrated academic career.

Stevens contributions to the field of Health Sciences spanned nearly 5 decades. His early research fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical school, from 1978 - 1990 laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to advancing medical understanding of the physiology of the human body. He later served as Chairman/Professor of Health Sciences at Boston University from 1990 to 2007. His teaching journey continued at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St Martin, St.Kitts Medical School and finally at the Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, where he worked until 2025.

Despite the intensity of his academic and professional responsibilities, Steven found time to nurture a love for fitness, technology and food. A lifelong exercise enthusiast and self proclaimed “foodie”, he delighted in exploring new cuisines. He also cherished fond memories of his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers and was laid to rest in his Dodgers jacket and cap.

Stevens character shone most brilliantly during his battle with cancer. Over an 18 year period, he faced pancreatic cancer 3 times with the disease a_ecting his pancreas, liver, kidneys and ureter. Yet rather then succumb to despair, Steven chose to lead with positivity, courage and grace. His cancer journey inspired his book, “The Ripple E_ect: How a Positive Attitude and a Caring Community Helped Save My Life” which continues to touch readers nationwide and worldwide. Over the past 12 years of his life, he mentored more than 100 pancreatic patients, reminding them that while one might not always defeat cancer physically, one could triumph emotionally and spiritually. His advocacy and resilience were featured in the Palm Beach Post, Miami Herald, Boca Magazine and many other Florida publications.

Steven is survived by his loving wife Karen, his forever cheerleader, and his children Ryan(Colleen) and Mindy Zald (Jonathan) and his 4 grandchildren: Julia, Richie, Carter and Charlie. They will all forever carry forward his legacy of compassion and perseverance.

A funeral service was held on December 15, 2025 at Star of David Memorial Chapel in North Lauderdale. A Celebration of Steven’s Life will be held Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Boca Woods Country Club.

Steven’s life will be remembered not only for its accomplishments but for its boundless positivity and its message: With grace, courage and hope, one can rise above any challenge. Steven’s life stands as a testament to the healing power of optimism, the strength of community and the enduring impact of a caring heart!

Steven was deeply loved for his warmth, generosity and resilience. Known for his kindness and unassuming nature, he carried himself with quiet strength even through life’s greatest challenges.

Donations in memory of Steven Fred Lewis can be made to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at umiamihealth.org.