Steve was an extraordinary brother, son, uncle, and friend.  His life is a legacy of kindness, highlighted by the loving care he provided for four years to our parents Harriett and Dale.  Steve's generosity enabled them to remain in their home until the end of their lives at ages 91 and 92.  This was hard work, and he never faltered in his dedication to it.  

Steve was a fiercely independent man, unafraid of challenges. He was raised in Pennsylvania and New York, where his leadership shone as a high school athlete and co-captain of the Byram Hills High School varsity football team. Steve returned to Pennsylvania for college, followed by graduate education at the University of Pittsburgh. He made Mount Washington his home for years.

Steve's career as a research associate in injury epidemiology brought him to Miami decades ago, where he lived in wonderful Coconut Grove, in the home of his loving friend Judy Felsenstein.  Their support for each other mirrored the close-knit nature of the neighborhood.  Judy loved everyone, yet we all knew she held a special place in her heart for Steve.  Coconut Grove's Saint Hugh parish was a community of catholic faith, love and music that Steve enjoyed throughout his life. 

Steve enjoyed skiing in the California Sierra, climbing Yosemite's Half Dome, and scuba diving on the  Pennekamp coral reef.   Fond memories of  Blue Angels Pensacola beach vacations with his nieces and nephews Jillian Dearwater, and Noelle, Christian, Grace, and John Vavuris, will never be forgotten.   He cherished his lifelong friends. Even during the final week of his life, he  recounted  adventures shared with his Slippery Rock State University brothers.  His enthusiasm for any underdog victory fueled his passion for sports. The joy of the 1969 Miracle Mets was never lost on Steve, so he relived key plays to uplift our spirits during difficult moments of the cancer journey. 

Steve  faced his leukemia diagnosis with courage and determination, supported by the Bone Marrow Transplant team at Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami.  On more than one occasion, he shed tears of gratitude for their unfailing kindness during the course of treatment.  In yet another unselfish gesture, he donated his body as an anatomical gift to medical science so that future physicians may learn from his suffering.  

Steve was a role model for his three siblings Donna and Derek Dearwater, and Julie Vavuris. His in-laws Rita and Andrew loved him as a brother. 

His was a life well-lived.  He gave far more than he received, and never failed to perceive the small joys of each day.  Steve was forgiving, fun, and generous.  We take comfort that he died with a heart full of love for all who surrounded him: The 4th floor nurses at Sylvester, his family, his neighbors, and his friends.  

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