Stephen Charles Jantz

Stephen Charles Jantz, 73, of Staten Island, passed away at home on July 12, 2026. Stephen was born December 13th, 1952 to Winifred Mae Jantz and Adolph (Otto) Andrew Jantz, and was raised in Prince’s Bay as a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. Having received a B.S. in Art and Education from Richmond College, Steve taught at I.S. 7, Concord High School, and worked for the NYC Department of Sanitation before joining the FDNY where he worked until retirement after 23 years of service. A talented painter and artist like his father Otto, Steve would go on to work in graphic design for the FDNY and WNYF Magazine. Desirous to fill his days post-retirement, Steve worked in Special Education at P.S. 18, where he was beloved by students and faculty for his beautiful and elaborate set designs for school concerts and musicals. Stephen loved sports, playing football with the Plainsmen, softball with Alibi Inn and Orion, and keeping up a competitive tennis (and ping pong) game for much of his life. He will also be remembered for his love for and evolved taste in music (particularly Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens, and The Moody Blues), and film as well as for his gift for cooking which he learned from his mother Winnie. In 1989 Stephen would marry the love of his life, Coleen Smith, an FDNY nurse whom he met when she was assigned to him as a patient. They would have two children together, Ryan and Alexa, whom Steve loved with all of his heart. Steve will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, his gentleness, his dedication to family and friends, his wry comedy, his artistic talents, his work ethic, and his generous and patient nature. He was and is a light to all who knew him. He is survived by Coleen, Ryan, Alexa, grandson Jack Ryan, daughter-in-law Heather, brother Craig and sister-in-law Kay, and a large family encompassing many nieces and nephews. Two services to commemorate Stephen will be held at Harmon Home on Wednesday, July 15th, from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm.