OBITUARY
Richard "Coach" Stepanian
July 6, 1940 – December 29, 2020
In loving memory of Richard Stepanian, also known as Coach and Steppy to many, who passed away December 29, 2020 after a 3 week battle from complications due to Covid 19.
He was recently living in Calabash, NC, where he retired and formerly of Denville, NJ and Bergenfield, NJ. Rich was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Pitcher and a whole lot more too so many people.
Rich is survived by his wife Beverly Stepanian, sister, Roseanne Saxenian, sons Richard D Stepanian and Robert Stepanian (Patty), and daughter Laura Stepanian. Also his grandchildren, Heather, Kyle, Jason, Richie, Alexis, Thomas, Ethan and Emilee and his nieces and nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his first wife Eloise and son John.
Rich was born in 1940 to Ralph and Anne Stepanian. He was a longtime Phys. Ed teacher and legendary coach at Thomas Jefferson School in Rockaway Boro, NJ, where he taught and coached basketball, baseball, and cross country for over 45 years.
He was an active member of Denville Little League where he served on the board as Equipment Manager and manager/coach . He was an avid softball player and pitcher and was proud of his many championships. He founded the Denville Rockaway Mens Softball League and played well into his seventies. He had the chance to play with and against his sons and some great people.
He also ran a t-shirt uniform business called B&R Sports. He served on the board of the Morris County Junior High Coaches Association and ran the annual tournament for many years.
The most important thing to Steppy was his family and extended family and friends. He cared greatly for his former students, players, and friends as if they were his own. He was the kindest, warmest person you will ever meet and it is truly amazing how many lives he touched.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 4, 2021 at eleven o'clock in the morning at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina. You may view the service live on Facebook. Once on Facebook, "like" the page White Funeral and Cremation Service Shallotte Chapel. When the service starts, you will be able to view.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com
White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina.
Services
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Funeral Service
Monday, January 4, 2021
Memories
Richard "Coach" Stepanian
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYPatrick Goncalves
January 9, 2021
I have great memories of Richard. Not only was he my neighbor for many years, he was a great friend and always treated me like family. He will be missed.
George Doudoukjian
January 8, 2021
A great uncle who will be missed.
Mary Stepanian Doudoukjian, my grandmother, was sister to Ralph Stepanian, Richards father,
and I will always remembered the great times we all had in Bergenfield, NJ.
Karen and Bill Berg
January 4, 2021
To the family of Rich, our deepest sympathies for the loss of a great man. We only knew him for a short time, but he always had a smile on his face and kindness in his heart.
Karen & Bill
Carol Johnson
January 4, 2021
All week I have been remembering Rich. I first new him when I was a new teacher. I have been remembering many funny and happy times
Good memories.
Love
Carol
Jody. & Anna Gearing
January 4, 2021
From the day we met Rich, he welcomed us with open arms. We we're family. He opened up his home and his heart to us. A happy
easy going and kind person. A smile to last forever. We had lot of good times and conversations. Jody and I Love you and miss you. RIP Pops!
Dena Moscola
January 4, 2021
A couple Steppyisms to add to Rich's list.... We'd say, "So" and Mr. S would say, "Sew buttons on an old man's coat". We'd say, "See" and Mr. S would say "I see said the blind man!"
No matter what, he always brought smiles, genuine kindness & helpful lessons!
My most significant memory is the love between Mr. S & Bev. Their wedding was the best I ever attended in my life. Yes it was a blast (as all Stepanian parties were!!) but that wasn't the best part. What struck my heart most, to this day, was how their love radiated through that room. It was so intense. Before, during and after the wedding, the love they shared was undeniable, so beautiful and inspirational.
Experiences I am grateful for. He will always be remembered.
Christine Figueroa (Hortian)
January 4, 2021
We offer our deepest condolences to Aunt Beverly and the entire Stepanian family. There really are no words to tell you how sorry we truly are. Uncle Rich will be missed by so many. We will always remember how much he loved Aunt Beverly and the rest of the family..... Please know we are praying for comfort during this difficult time.
With Loving Prayers,
-- Steve & Alice Hortian
-- Angel & Christine Figueroa
Julie Masick
January 4, 2021
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO RICHIE’S WIFE BEVERLY AND TO RICH, BOBBY AND LAURA. I WAS PRAYING SO HARD FOR A MIRACLE FOR MY GOOD FRIEND. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU TODAY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE FOREVER. JULIE (OCEAK) MASICK BHS 1961
Diane Reizovic
January 4, 2021
Bev, to you and your family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Even though I didn't know him personally, I knew him and you through Monica......may his memories live forever in your hearts to warm and comfort you all.
With prayers and love.
Diane
Anne Hamtil
January 4, 2021
I am so sorry for you loss. I am sending my sincere condolences and endless prayers for all of you. Love, Anne Hamtil
Carol Hall
January 3, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Rich. I know him from high school in Bergenfield. He was a really nice guy and glad I had the opportunity to know him. Sympathy to his family.
Sara Bartel (Haase)
January 2, 2021
I first met Mr. Stepanian in grade school when his granddaughter Heather moved to Denville. Through the years of being friends with Heather, I spent many days with Mr. Stepanian. From trips to LBI, birthdays, holidays, parties, and just simple visits at the house. He was always a positive and supportive person throughout my childhood. He will be greatly missed. My love, thoughts, and prayers to the whole family.
Much love,
Sara aka RA (as Mr. Stepanian called me)
Marissa LaPlaca
January 2, 2021
Rich was a wonderful, kind neighbor and friend. We spent many hours playing in his yard and his house and he and Bev treated us like family. Sending lots of love and prayers to the Stepanian family.
Love,
Missy, John & families
Rose Kill
January 2, 2021
Sending my deepest Sympathy and Prayers to you and your family.
Loved visiting with you and Rich, and running into at BJs before your move to North Carolina.
The perfect couple. So sorry for your loss Bev, Rich was a great person and loved by so many people. He will always be with you in spirit.
Roseanne Saxenian
January 1, 2021
To a wonderful brother whom I loved very deeply....I will miss you so much.....your sister, Roseanne Saxenian
Peter Christiano
January 1, 2021
It is with great sadness that I read of the passing of coach Stepanian. Over 50 years have passed since TJ PE class and I still can remember him as if it were yesterday. He taught us our Flag Football and, most importantly to a 10 year old, dodgeball.
His commanding voice left no question who was in charge on the gym floor. Throughout the years, I have thought back on him many, many times; all with fond memories.
My thoughts go out to Rich's family at this sad time. We share the loss of a great man.
Jessica Drury
December 31, 2020
He was my gym teacher 5-8 grade he was the greatest. Loved him
Doug Zweig
December 31, 2020
I can still remember 58 years ago when I first met coach. I was in kindergarten, at Lincoln school in Rockaway. My gym teacher, baseball and basketball coach throughout my 1st 8 years of school. In my 20's he pitched while I caught for several different softball teams. He was a great man who left a great legacy. He will be missed! RIP coach.
Mary Riccoo
December 31, 2020
Mr. Stepanian was a great man. I had him for 8th grade homeroom and as a gym teacher back in the 70's. I also managed track under him when I was in 8th grade. I will always remember him smiling all the time. It was great schooling back then.
Rebecca Dougherty
December 31, 2020
My memories of Rich have always been based on his hospitality. I met him about 3 years after 9/11 when my mother and I came to visit friends and other family members. Both Bev and Rich opened their home to my mother and I. We had a lovely visit, reminiscing about family, even if it was a short visit, but his presence was everlasting. I enjoyed his stories and laughter. I know he is missed by his family and others.
I will definitely treasure the memories I have of our visit, just stories and laughter.
Blessings of comfort to the family. I offer up prayers of strength, peace, and grace through this difficult time.
Much love, Becky
Charlie Doudoukjian
December 31, 2020
Uncle Rich was awesome! I will always remember the old days in Asbury Park. He was so kindhearted and always thought of the "kids". Thank you for taking us fishing all the time, as well as, to the car races and even one year to the NY Giants training camp. I will miss shish kabab dinners at your house and your great big smile. Thank you for being a role model we all could look up to. Love you and will miss you...Charlie.
Shellie Smith
December 31, 2020
So many memories of the years at Thomas Jefferson, Coach will be missed by many. They taught us so much and supported us as we venture on in life. I was part of the Pep Team for basketball, Coach let us ride the bus with the team. He was one of the ones you could talk to, and really cared. I hope family and friends can hold the memories close and each other. Prayers to all of you.
Marie Martin
December 31, 2020
Mr Stepanian Was An Awesome Man , He Was A Huge Influence In Everyone's life He Will Be Missed By All, We All Have Those Beautiful Memories To Carry On, My Thoughts and Prayers To The Family, God Bless You All, The Good Lord Needed Another Angel. Fly High Coach God Bless You 🙏
Scott Hale
December 31, 2020
Just want to say sorry to the family , He will always be The Coach in everyone's heart that played for him ! My memories are all the parties at his house playing horseshoes after our championships and there were quite a few of them . R.I. P Coach we'll miss you!
Shelly Byers
December 31, 2020
I feel so blessed to have known Rich, well...Mr. Stepanian. He always made me feel so cared for. I think he had a special way of doing that for everyone. And so, he will be dearly missed by many, many people.
Lonnie Martin
December 31, 2020
Rest in peace Richard, you were a great man, I had the pleasure of growing up with your boys and watching the type of father you were. The world lost a great one, my memories of you are all good and you will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family I’ll see you again on the other side coach. LM
Janet Bazaz
December 31, 2020
We are so saddened for you all. We have good memories of being with you on LBI.
anthony doudoukjian
December 30, 2020
Will always remember playing baseball with him up at uncle charlie's house. He was a kindhearted person who always had something good to say about everyone. I was lucky to have known such a special person. My deepest sympathies to all of his family. God Bless...Anthony
Dianne and Frank Nicolaus
December 30, 2020
Will always have wonderful memories of family time ... holidays and barbecues with shish kebab , summers at Long Beach island...Uncle Rich was always there for you and wanted everyone to be taken care of...he had such a loving heart. We will miss him so much but he will be with us always. Dianne Frank James and Ani Nicolaus