While it's hard to decide which is my favourite story, here's one of the more memorable ones:

Theology 201 at Barry University, Steffano coordinated our service learning initiative for the course. He took us to a nearby school where many of the neighbourhoods, majority of them Haitian immigrants, came to play football/soccer on Sunday morning. We went to them, befriended them, played soccer, shared some snacks and good conversation with them, and it began the process of trying to organise a community that had no sort of respect from city officials.

The walk from the university to the school felt like a journeying experience with my fellow Barry peers, with Steff and Christina leading us in impactful ways. From the beginning to the end, Steff's ability to listen to the students, to walk with us as he explained why we did what we did, and to keep everything smooth and under control always left an impression on me.

Steff's dedication and commitment to his Barry family embodied the core values that Barry sought to instil in all of us. He will forever be an inspiration to me. He lives on in all of us.

Barry University's Center for Community Service Initiatives remembers Steffano Montano:

http://www.barry.edu/service/…

He is one of my most extraordinary and dearest educators, friends, scholars, and professors. ‏I have never seen someone supportive, charismatic, handsome, unique, and blessed like him.

He was on my defense committee for my proposal and my dissertation. I ask you to join me in keeping Steffano's family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

May Allah have mercy upon him and make it easy for his family.

I had the great privilege of being in Steff's PhD cohort at Boston College.  He shared his enthusiasm, keen mind, loving presence, friendship, and deep passion for creating more just, inclusive education with all of us at the STM, every day.  

Studying with Steff was inspiring, and thought-provoking, and also fun, because he brought his happy smile and buoyant spirit with him every day.  I remember once, when we were in the library 'talking shop' about theology, Steff suddenly switched gears and told me he needed to learn how to style Malaya's hair into a bun for what I recall was a dance class. Luckily, I have daughters too, so we were able to trade some hairstyling tips along with theology that afternoon. That memory captures Steff for me - a brilliant mind, a loving heart, a scholar and a family man, all at once, who lived his life with a beautiful, seamless, fullness. 

Steff's presence was a blessing to me, to our PhD community, and to the church.  My family and I send our deepest condolences to Christina and Malaya and Steff's whole family. We are holding you all in our hearts and prayers. 

I will forever treasure Steff, his generous and peaceful soul, for how he made my dear friend of 25 years, Christina, feel. Steff, you brought peace to her and together you fed each other's ever searching spirits. You found each other against all odds. You matched each other in your unwavering faith in the infinite work of building a more just world and your sense of commitment to doing all you could in the too short time you had to make a world of collective liberatio and healing real today, performing everyday miracles through your servant leadership. Together you two brought into this world precious Malaya. I wish so much that I lived closer to you all over these past several years to be able to have created more memories together and grateful yet for having known you and the joy you brought to all who were in your circle. Rise in peace and power, Steff, and watch over Christina, Malaya and us all from your place in God's kingdom. 

Christina, you have been there and guided me as a friend and big sister across many years and stages of life. While far in distance, I am here always with arms wide open. Mahal kita.

May you, Malaya and all Steff's family find comfort in the faith that he is surely sowing good trouble as he watches over us and that his teachings and memories live on in the many many others that he touched.