There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you , your jokes, your smile , memories of what a great husband and father you were.  You would be so proud of Danny, he’s grown into quite the responsible young man and I treasure him every day.  I’m very thankful for the years we had together. When I reflect on the kind and generous person you were, it helps me to be a better person . Our family & friends often mention acts of kindness you did for others and it makes me smile .  We have a bond that will never be broken.. love you always ❤️ 
Sharon

02022020 

The same number front to back and back to front. 

I love Grounhog Day and always think I'm going to associate it with your death but I never do.

Then just like that the reminder is there and I get to grieve the loss of you and especially its impacts on your more immediate family. 

I have a memory and a non- memory of you: It has been said I was handed to you and told I was your birthday present on your seventh birthday (we share the same birthday). Maybe you are even the one that told me that laughing as you said it. You always felt like a protective force to me in my life and so when I think about it I realize you must be one of my angels still.

Peace and love to all grieving your loss today. 

Cousins Always!

Laurie

on this day, i remember losing you steve.. what a sad day it will always be for me, and the whole family. i wish i could turn back time and relive our brotherhood all over again. i think back on all the wasted opportunity to do more with you, my kid brother.  i am so sorry we went down different roads.  i was making a new life, new family, new business, while you were still young, full of adventure you wanted to find, and of course it was the right thing for both of us. As we got older, we had our own problems to deal with, and work, and Dad and Mom to worry about, so those times we did spend together.  But, to this day, i wish i had taken more time to spend with you. watching you play ice hockey, or going fishing,  or ride a bike with you... so many chances and i missed every one.. i am sorry. i could have
done a better job of being your brother. i hope there is the afterlife and i hope to see you there. ill always love you Steve. i also am poud of you and i admired the man you were.

Steve-isms “I’ll see ya when I see ya” and “Anyhoo”.   We drank a toast to him tonight and laughed and cried, remembering mushrooms in the yard, our daughters working at Frates and Sharon’s, and all the projects around our home that he took on that no one else would.  
He was a great guy and we love and miss him. 

We are thinking of Steve today…I started a touchup on our kitchen cabinets a couple of days ago… The one Steve built for our kitchen remodel several years ago… And without thinking about the “timing“ I was using old cheap brushes to start the project, and of course, it was streaky, etc.… I remember Steve saying, “I only use Purdy brushes!“ Needless to say I bought a Purdy brush yesterday to make it happen, the way Steve would want it done… I could hear him chuckle and see him shrugging his shoulders… We miss his big heart!!! 

Rich and Diane Damaso




Its been three years since you left us all. We all miss you very much.
We miss all your good cooking. You were a great brother law and all of us could always count on you for help.
Thanks for being my brother-in- law.








  


well its been three years. i miss you and wish we had more time together. i have saved a few of your voice messages . i played them today as i have been doing on every important day these past three years. im glad i can still hear your voice.ill never forget you, and dante and sharon are doing fine. i try my best to be available for them we have a good family.
you were a great  brother to have.


I can’t believe it’s been 3 years . You would be so proud of Danny, he’s become such a responsible young man with your values & integrity.  You live in our hearts , we miss you tremendously and love you more every day .
Love ,
Sharon 

well 2 years gone by so fast. we had a memorial lunch the other day at the little Phoenix.  i miss you every day . i love my brother 

I have been thinking and remembering things all week now about the old times, and all the time  that past.
Little things pop into my head, and I miss Steve.
I've said many prayers for all who loved him.
When were kids and had not seen each other for a while we had our special greeting ;" cuz, cuz, good old cuz" even though we may have seen each other yesterday. Steve would throw that one out much later in life just to get a chuckle.
God bless you all!

Oh my friend I think of you everyday and miss you so much.

One year today and I still can’t quite believe it! You are so deeply loved and so deeply missed! ❤️

Steve.... missing you, the way you always smiled, missing you being around, and the holidays when you did all your great cooking for the family. You were a great brother in law. I miss you.
Love Jackie

     Steve.. It's been one year now since you left us.  Every day I have thought of you, and some days are harder than others. I admit, I have broken down many times when I am alone and think of you.
     I was smart enough to save several voice messages you left me on my phone over the years and I play them just to hear your voice again. I also have a photo of you and me along with dad and our grandfather sitting on the swan fountain Uncle Danny made on Hedge St.
     You were a baby then and although I was young also, its a good picture of the four of us. I keep it on my bureau so I see it every night before I go to sleep.
Life is unfair, I am sorry we lost you with your big heart and easy manner, but we will never lose our memories. 
     You are in my heart and mind and will be always. It's a special bond siblings have, brothers especially. I wish I could get back all the lost time and chances I had to spend more time with you. I guess we never think the end can happen overnight. I guess I never thought of us passing until we lost you. 
     Now I think of it all the time and I am trying to get as much out of life as I can grab. You showed me by your passing to live life as much as possible.   So, every time I ride my bike, or fly my plane, or drive my car, I take you with me in my heart, mind and, soul.
You will never be forgotten my kid brother.
      I will always love you.


Already been gone a year Just to know we think of you often. Know that you are still missed

Well.. Today is the day we celebrate your birth.. I vaguely remember you coming into the house for the first time.. I remember being a little jealous of the attention you were getting.... Who is THAT! kind of thing... Oh, I knew you were coming alright for many months...., but as long as you stayed in the bump in Mom's belly, .....you were not a threat.. I was "Top Dog" still in our house!
I knew I  would have to share Mom and Dad's attention and affection with you after you arrived, as I had them all to myself for almost three years.. Well, it wasn't long before I appreciated having a little brother.. and so it went all these past years.. I was always the older brother. ..So, I just want to let my feelings be known this day, ....your day of birth,.... will not ever be forgotten.
I miss you, I love you, and will always do so. .... like you always said,  " anyhoo"...


Steve, this is a tough day for us all.. this being the first time you are not with us for a holiday.. Luckily, you are not having to see how the world has changed.. no more meeting for family get togethers these past months.. we are all farther apart, but somehow ......now ,closer together.
You are always in my daily thoughts. I have a drawing of you riding into the sunset i look at before i head out the door in the morning, and before i  go to sleep, a photo of you, dad, our grandfather, and me sitting on the old swan fountain on Hedge Street.  I miss you every day.  I love you my brother.

Steve was not only my cousin, but my best friend and brother I never had growing up. Although as the years passed our lives took  different directions, when we did get together it was always like old times.
In the latter years I began to see so much of his dad in him, the way he was so thoughtful when he spoke. Always willing to give helpful advice and wise council.
 We have all lost a good, caring ,loving person way too soon.
 My prayer is that all who morn his loss  can warm their hearts by remembering  what a great guy he was.
Thanks to everyone  that posted such beautiful thoughts here.

Steve, 
It will be impossible to truly put into words how I feel about you, but here goes.. From the day I met you at Friendlys restaurant there was a kindness in your eyes that drew me in.  Your gentle, easy going nature was comforting and relaxing to be around. It was soon apparent to me how generous and unselfish you were.  People you hardly knew would ask for help and you were right there to lend a hand,tool, or give them a job even when work was slow. Always giving others the benefit of the doubt & giving many a second chance to help them out. Your honesty & integrity showed thru easily with your contracting customers. I remember some of your elderly customers  telling me " Steve is the only one I trust working in my home."  You were a self made man working for yourself successfully in the Contracting and Real Estate renovation business. Your independent thinking and free spirit was a breath of fresh air to me.  You definitely had strong opinions and beliefs but always respected that others had a right to have their own. Throughout our marriage you built up my confidence and was very supportive of my career.  
           Danny and I will miss you terribly but feel so lucky that we had you in our lives as long as we did. You were the best Dad anyone could ask for.  He was your "little buddy" from day one and watching you become such an awesome father was inspiring. Taking him fishing, playing basketball, or playing hockey on the backyard rink you built for him, these memories we'll treasure forever. I'm so thankful to have met & married such a loving , honest, & supportive man.  We ran a few businesses together and people would ask me " how do you work together all day and live together too!?  with you it was easy and I'm so glad we spent the time working together in a variety of ventures.  Thank-you for a beautiful life and being such a wonderful husband & father to our son.  Love you always, Sharon
    
                     
                                  

We first met when we were 11 years old,  over five decades ago.  I can't ever remember not liking you.  I pray to god that your sole rests in peace.  Goodbye my friend

Dad, 

When I was little, I'd always tell you how afraid I was of something like this. There’s been many nights in my life, spanning randomly across 18 years i’ve stayed up contemplating a world without you in it. The mere thought of it always crushed me. Of course, you’d always tell me not to worry about it, and that you’ll always be with me. Like any good dad would. Even at my youngest age I understood and believed you, and perhaps more than ever, I still do. 

You’ll always be with me, dad. 

I’m not sure I'll ever fully process this, but the words I'm most certain of are “thank you.” You only smiled when you really meant it, which made them that much more memorable. You were the most bonafide person I've ever met. With simple facial expressions you could instill such powerful emotions in me, oftentimes of protection, validation and comfort. Our bond was never overly saccharine, however it was so deeply rooted in trust. There’s so many times in my life where I could've gone to you for advice, sometimes I did, others I didn’t. There’s a plethora of things I’ll always wish I’d told you, but I always knew if I choose to, I could. You’d listen. And that trust, that security was more than enough. We trusted each other. And that meant so, so much. 

For so much of my life I saw the world through your lens. A perspective that was so inherently your own. Everything was practical and logical, you kept me grounded. We’d joke constantly about everything we saw wrong with the world, it was our way of acceptance. So many of my life passions derived from you. You introduced me to almost everything I love. Our loon lake memories are the most cherished ones i'll ever hold. I'll never forget those annual sunsets you'd always tell me would only happen "once in a lifetime", until the next year when they'd happen again. 

I could say so much more but something tells me I don't need to, you understand.  I love you Dad. So much. Always and forever. ..



2/20/20
Helen Souza
Steve,  your good nature, helpful manner, and good food will always be remembered in our family.
  I will always be thankful that you were a loving husband to Sharon, and good father to Dante.
    Peace be with you.

Steven Souza
2-20-20
   I first met Steve when I found out he was dating my sister.
   Over time, I came to learn that he was a very interesting person.  He was not shy to speak of his passions (motorcycles, mushrooms, hockey, cooking).  He was strongly opinionated and occasionally stubborn, but had an avid curiosity and eagerness to learn new things.
He was honest, bluntly so at times.  There were things he could be casually lazy about, but then demonstrate he was one of the hardest working people I'd ever met.
    A person of layers and complexity.  So, all in all, a pretty good example of a human being.
     I take solace from the knowledge that he had the opportunity to have adventures as a young man, and then to settle down and have a family.
    So, even though he left us too soon, and will be missed, I do believe that he lived a fulfilled life.

Every time I ran into Steve  through our lifetime, he was always positive , smiling  and happy.  His positivity on life was contagious, This was such a tough battle that I know he fought hard. May God Bless him and his family ❤️

For more than 45 years we were the closest of friends. As we grew older we went from fishing , hunting ,and drinking beers to drinking coffee, raising hell to raising families, riding motorcycles to riding in the family car. So many nights just hanging outside Friendly's just talking. You will be forever missed my best man
'





To a great brother-in-law. They don't come any better than you Steve. When I think of you and that great smile of yours, and all the great times we all spent together at your house, it makes me happy. Those times were great.
You were a great Uncle to both my daughters and I thank you for that. You will always be in all of our thoughts. We will miss you very much. You are at peace now. With love, your sister-in-law,  Jackie.
PS. I hope you find a whole field of mushrooms in heaven!

To my sweet Uncle Steve:  I have this memory of you, standing over the friolaters at Sharon’s Drive-In on a thousand-degree summer night.  You were wrapped like a mummy up to your shoulders and neck in brutally hot gauze to keep the poison ivy in and said, with your signature smirk and a shrug that, “hey, this is life, kid”.  That really stuck with me.  And, it struck me again when you said the same thing about this whole unbelievable situation.  This is life.  I can’t tell you how much your take it in stride, grateful for what we have, courageous, positive attitude, especially over the last several months, has impacted me.  You are one of the warmest, biggest-hearted people I’ve ever known.  Thank you for always being so sweet, generous with your time, knowledge and skills, and always there to help when we needed you.  I’ll be over here making a mess of painting projects, keeping up the mushrooming tradition, and making your recipes for the rest of my life.  I love you and will miss you greatly.  Love always, Jenny.


While living on Morton Ave. in the 1960's ,we  became close friends  with the Josefek family.  It is sad to see the passing of Steve.  Our memories  go back to the 60's when he was a sweet   young boy  and later grew  into a  kind and gentle man.  
Accept our  sympathy  at this sad time.  

John and Margaret Carreiro









Great Brother-in-Law. Good friend.  Someone I could count on.  I love you Brother! 🙏

February 2nd was a very sad day for anyone who ever had the great pleasure of knowing our Uncle Steve.  We are all truly lucky to have had such a kind-hearted soul in our lives.  The world was simply a better place with him here, and it is unfortunate that we had to let him go far sooner than we would have wanted.  

For this to make any sense at all, we must believe that his big heart, wonderful character and abundant love was needed more desperately elsewhere.  We can take some comfort in believing that our hearts and lives are not the last things he will influence, and maybe his path is just beginning.  

We love you, Uncle Steve, you will be missed.   

Rest peacefully.
Nathan & Kristen

Steve, my awesome Brother.  I have not yet come to terms with the news of your diagnosis from last January and yet, somehow, find myself here.  Your words were clear… “don’t feel bad for me.” It was the pain that your loved ones were going to feel that was of a higher concern to you. Typical, unselfish, Steve. The down to Earth, regular, sweetheart of a guy.  The one who thought an old "something or other" was way better than any new one could be.  You were loving, thoughtful, protective, kind, generous, and much-loved. You will always be “one in a billion” to me. I will miss hearing you call me “kid” and hearing you finish a conversation or sum up a visit with one of your favorite words:  "Anyhoo…."  I will remember the caring visits and help you provided to Ma and Dad when they were sick.  I will remember the good times and conversations we've had, many, in fact, occurring at Ma's house while she was sick.  I will remember your delicious cooking and cherish the memory of the day we made Ma's spaghetti sauce together. I remember how you could always whip up something good to eat when it seemed there was nothing in the house to start with.  I will tightly hold onto and cherish each and every memory I have of you and remember you with great love.  I will keep a watch over your beautiful wife and your most-prized and precious son; both of whom showed great love in your end time care.  I am broken that you have left us way too soon.  But I am relieved that your suffering is over. You fought the battle without complaint, and somehow displayed an amazing, courageous and admirable attitude while doing so.  I love you, my brother!  And I will love and miss you forever.  Rest peacefully.  I know you’re in the arms of a merciful & loving God.    xox


Dear Sharon and Danny,
Steve will be missed by so many - he was always there to lend a hand and his self-deprecating sense of humor always made you laugh.   
Cancer may have taken his life, but his spirit lives on in the memories and people whose lives he touched.
Rest in Peace, dear friend.

With love, from Mark & Nina Lafferty and family


Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sharon and Danny.We have had a long happy relationship with Ellie and Frank.Stephen was a special person,he did a excellent job painting our son Steve’s apartment and went beyond what he had to do.A few weeks ago I talked to Stephen telling him I wanted to make him his mother’s special dish  spaghetti and meatballs unfortunately I waited to long. We will never forget how brave you were coming to our sons Steve’s memorial mass.May God bless you and wrap his arms around you and rest in eternal peace 

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of the family my parents have always been close to the Josefek’s.Stephen was a great guyhe has helped my brothers and nephew out a lot through the years.Celabrate his life and keep his memories close to your hearts may he Rest In Peace.

Sharon and Danny we are so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. All the years we've known each other I always enjoyed talking with Steve and loved to talk with him about Danny playing hockey. I had the pleasure of standing beside him a few times at the rink while Danny was playing and he would be beaming with pride.  My thoughts are with you both and please, if there's anything you need please let me know. Love Kim, Myles and Morgan 💔

My deepest sympathy to Sharon and Dante, you've lost the most important person in your lives, my heart goes out to you both.
Steve was always willing to offer help. He had such a big heart....I will always remember his story of why you decided to not flip the property across the street from my home. Your family was a welcome addition to the neighborhood. He will be missed.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

May, you rest in peace ,Steve taught me alot as a youth Steve always had patience for my troubles always kept food on my table even if he didn't have any work for me he would keep me busy working around the house thus keeping me out of trouble, he taught me good work ethic I will miss him very much ,much too young my heart goes out to Sharon and Danny

It’s taken me a while to be able to write anything here, as every time I open this page, my heart breaks again. I wish I could hear you say “Hey there, kiddo...” one more time to Ryan, watch you play the basketball rematch you owed Tyler, listen to you talk about sports with them, or tell stories about our family when you were younger. We are all so sad that you left us too soon. You were the best uncle around. I remember you painted my studio when I moved about 8 years ago, and asked what color I wanted. I said light blue. You mixed all the left over blues you had hanging around to make a custom color...one of a kind, just like you. I love you and miss you already. 

Our Thoughts & Prayers are with The Josefek Family
Especially with Sharon & Danny at this time of loss...
When there are no words to soften the pain.....May your Spirit be       touched by The Love that Surrounds You...And Slowly....May the Healing Begin.

You were my best friend. You were like a brother to me. I am so sorry your life was cut so short. I will always remember you my friend and miss you for the rest of my life. I was very lucky to have you as my friend. I love you buddy, R.I.P.

Uncle Steve ... I don't I ever think that I had a conversation with you where you didn't make me laugh.  You were always generous with your time ... and your tools. No matter what the tool I needed you had 3 of them. A truly great humble guy. My thoughts are with Aunt Sharon and Danny. 

I wish the photographer had gotten me and Bob  in this shot, but here is another shot of you and including Mike and Linda and our moms at Bob's and my wedding.

Cousin. We had such a great childhood,  yes you were older than I, yes we share a birthdate and yes,  one or both of our mothers might have told you I was your birthday present in 1963. Family story I heard was that you held me. You, and "Mikey" were always there in my head,  in my heart, in our neighborhood,  my big cousins,  in unity with my brother,  my presumed protectors. Just so many memories of you and our families and now you have gone out of order, too soon, too young. Our family has some knowledge of how the Universe (God) works and may that bring us - your extended family- all your friends, all the lives you've touched, your closest family and friends especially Sharon and Dante (Danny) comfort as we journey through the remainder of our days on Earth. Forever cousin may your soul live eternally in peace and love.

Dear Steve, my friend... Sending prayers that your blessed on your journey into spirit world. We shared a love for wild, eatable mushrooms and you taught me so much about what to look for and what to be careful of... I will remember you every time I’m out on the hunt and I find a “chicken of the woods, hen of the woods or fresh puffs”... I will probably stay away from the others without you there by my side  to consult... I am so sad you are gone, I will miss you xoxo 

To my friend Steve: I will miss you daily, your name and memories will be spoken daily, I have things that you’ve “Pasted on” all over my home. I have walls and trim painted by you! Along with your opinions. I will always fold my money the long way twice. I will do my best to watch over Sharon and Danny❤️AND I WILL ALWAYS BE THANKFUL GOD PUT YOU IN MY LIFE 🙏🙏See ya when I see ya, Steve Joe😘

Uncle Steve, 
Thank you for being such a great Uncle to us all.  I want to thank you for always managing to keep the family connected through the holidays, and for the wonderful Italian dinners you would make for us all.  You hold such a special place in our family, and it just isn't going to be the same without you.  We love you and miss you already!!!  With Love,
 Michele, Jeff, and Jaxson

well.. what can i say my little brother.. i remember the fun we had as kids, fishing with Dad, playing ball with the neighborhood kids, going on vacation with our family, working on jobs building houses together. stuff like that ill never forget. but, i regret not going to watch you play hockey, or riding motorcycles with you back then. we each had our own path to follow.. you did well.. im proud of you. you raised a good family, took care of Mom and Dad very well . you always were there when i needed you.. thanks... ill always remember...i love you brother..

OBITUARY

Stephen Andrew Josefek

April 23, 1956 – February 2, 2020

Rock Funeral Home

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