For every one of his 78 years, Steve truly loved life. No challenge, personal or professional, was too large and he approached everything with an exuberant enjoyment of life and exultation of spirit. Steve graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964 and remained a devoted Panther fan for life (Hail to Pitt!). But it wasn’t until he served his country as a Captain in the 9th Infantry in Vietnam that he found his true calling. Assigned to the Mekong Delta medical support corps, Steve’s unit supported the Mobile Riverine Force with medical evacuation, facilities and treatment. He was the proud recipient of commendations including the Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge. Upon returning home Steve graduated with a Master’s in Public Health from Yale University followed by a long career in managed health care which ranged from hospital administration to management of HMO’s.
Steve had many interests including golf (with varying degrees of success) and following Pitt and New England sports. But more than anything, Steve’s true passion was his family. An accomplished athlete, he spent hours with his sons playing baseball and basketball. He even coached both his sons in soccer despite having no knowledge of the sport other than the fact that you had to use your feet.
As a husband, father and grandfather, he was always a participant, never the teacher. If an expedition involved going to get fried clams, with military precision he jumped in with both feet finding the best fried clams and then sitting side by side, elbow to elbow with everyone around the table soaking up the enjoyment of the shared and simple celebration of family. He delighted in hosting Sunday dinners for his family and reveling in the moments of shared joy and laughter.
Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years Elizabeth (Decker), his children Gregg and John, their spouses Elizabeth and Jennifer, his three cherished grandchildren Nick, Caroline and Aly and a core group of family, friends and colleagues that loved him and will miss him dearly. Steven was preceded in death by his parents Clarence (Pat) and Anita and his sister Norma.
A celebration of his life will be held at home, 52 Oakvale Road, Framingham, MA from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday June 13th.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Steven to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
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