Stephen Phillip Burch

A lifetime Arizonan, Steve grew up and attended high school in Tucson, Arizona, where he was part of the wrestling team, an early reflection of the grit and strength that would shape his life

He then voluntarily served in the United States Army as an infantry paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War, carrying pride and honor with his faithful sense of duty. After the war, he married Susan and began raising a family while pursuing his career in the Union trades. With that same pride and honor carried from his military service, he brought loyalty and selfless devotion to those he loved. After completing trade school for Local 469 he became a journeyman steamfitter, earning the respect of others through dependable craftsmanship, hard work, and the quiet wisdom that comes from doing what is right and knowing when to “drag up”.

A man who cherished where he came from and the people around him, Steve enjoyed the great Arizona outdoors. From the high desert of southern Arizona to the tall pines in the north, he knew the history behind every mountain and landmark. He loved reading and learning about history and watching old movies. He would always share what he knew about every actor or movie set with a kind-hearted humor that made time together feel easy and memorable.

Steve remained committed to the communities that shaped him. He was a lifetime member of the union, Local 469, and a lifetime member of the VFW, Post 5990 Marana, Arizona—memberships that reflected both pride in his work and unending respect for service.

Steve is survived by his wife Susan of 56 years “5 good ones”; son Fred (Marti) Burch; daughter Rebecca (Christopher) Beckett; 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sisters Melanie, Odessa, Rebecca, and brother Patrick. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Amanda Womack, sister Karen, and son Stephen "Stevie" Burch Jr.