I first played with Steve some twenty years ago-a great person and musician. Whether he was playing "on the street" or in a concert hall, he gave the music all he had, (and that was a lot). When I had the pleasure of sitting next to him in a quintet or at the Symphony of Winds, his horn playing was a concert by itself. Steve's playing was just like the man: excellent, sincere and never jaded. A timeless soul, indeed. Thank you, Steve.
Very sad to not be seeing Steve for a while. He was a gentle soul, and an incredible musical genius. It is very hard to know that he is gone, as he was a beautiful spirit, he loved life and he lived by enriching the lives of those he influenced and shared his music with. His body was 67, but his Spirit is ageless. He faced many challenges and did not have an easy life, but I can tell you that I never once heard him complain or express regrets. When I think of Steve, my heart opens without effort. Thank you, Steve, for the love and influence you share with me. You mastered the art of being human.
I expect to be playing next to Steve and have him explain to me about his hospital stay and treatment. So sad...
Steve was a very special person for me. He was the first great horn player I got to play with as a high school student. He truly loved music and I have many fond memories of us playing together on the boardwalk.Great fun in those days. He was the major reason I became a horn player. Thanks Steve.
My deepest sympathy to Gary Ann, Renata, Miranda and Regina on the loss of Steve. Love never dies! I will miss seeing Uncle Steve on Facebook... I always enjoyed his posts. RIP, Steve....
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Steve, a fellow Sagg. was born 12 days before me 1n 1942. I can't remember when we first met, but I think it had something to do with a group called The Paterson Lyric Opera Theater. ( PLOT ) back in the early sixty's. Later, we were colleagues in the NJSO, as well as many other NJ music organizations. Steve was a "wise guy", always ready with a funny sometimes ironic bit to make even the worse of gigs seem a little better. We will all miss him greatly. R.I.P Steve
Rest in peace you beautiful soul.
His humour, sense of calm, his kindness, and he was a fabulous musician. You will be missed! Amy
Steve has been in and out my sphere for around 40 years. That's a long time. I don't at all like that he's no longer here. I'll keep my eyes and ears out for a "new" Steve.
I met Steve years ago when I began to sub with St. Peter's Orchestra by the Sea. I was always very impressed with his strength as a player and how gracious he was to welcome and encourage me. I was on the last recording session with him in October. He wasn't feeling his best and wasn't sure why at that poing. I played second horn. He was amazing even when he wasn't feeling well. He played strong and beautifully. I was sad and shocked when he passed so quickly. The orchestra played "Hansel & Gretl" at our last Christmas performance and we dedicated it to Steve. I wanted to play really well for him and I did. At the last phrase, I began to cry quietly. I will miss him. I purchased a copy of the Orchestra's last recording and will treasure it always. He was a funny man, a wonderful musician. My thoughts and prayers will remain with his family.
Played many gigs with Steve, he was a wonderful musician and human being!
Steve and I were clasmates at Montclair State and brother Sinfonians (Lamba Mu '62). We all had many wonderful times at MSC and even though we drifted apart over the years we had recently reconnected via Facebook and emails. I had just spoken to Steve (via email 12/16) and felt that - even though he said he was understandibly tired-he would improve. I express my dear sympathy to his family and will miss his talents. May he rest in peace.
I've known Steve for the last 11 years and he was always a blast to work with. His sense of humor, his superhuman understanding of the music we'd play, and his great stories made every performance a pure delight. We became very good friends over the last few years and when Eric and I would throw our Summer party, Steve was always the first to arrive, secure a spot by the keg, and reminisce about Jersey City with Eric's mother, and be one of the last to leave, always the life of the party! Steve brought out the best in everyone he worked with and socialized with. His life was lived to the fullest and he savored every moment of it. If I can live my life even a mere quarter of how well he lived his, then I should be a very lucky person! Steve, we miss you dearly but though you are gone physically, you live on in our hearts and memories. Your 67 years of good karma will most certainly lead you to a new life filled with happiness and prosperity and, of course, music!
Steve's musicianship and support has always been something I could depend on. I will miss this good friend and colleague. Ruth Olshansky
It is very hard to hear of Steve's passing, and he will be missed so much by so many. I loved to talk with him on any St.Pete's gig; his breezy observations and wry outlook always cracked me up. He was a great player, too. All my sympathy to his family and loved ones..
Every summer that Stephen would come to visit Gary and his family were visits that I looked forward too. Discussions with Stephen about life were always ones that left me thinking deeply. His sense of humor was wonderful and his acceptance of others and their own unique views was exceptional. While the man has left this world as we know it, the man has also left his memories and impression on those that have each been touched by him. My sympathies to his loved ones, especially Gary, Ann, Renata, Miranda and Regina. XO
The Celestial Orchestra has acquired a new horn player. Play on, Steve, play on. You will be sorely missed by everyone here.
Step aside, Gabrial Let Steve show you how it's done
Steve was a funny, sweet person, and I'm a better person to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved him. Steve, you will be dearly missed.
Steve was our (my brother Rich and myself) horn teacher at Wagner College. Our paths have crossed numerous times since 1970; struggling to keep old cars running, and playing gigs around the NYC area. Steve remembered and loved everyone, life, family and music. Each time we met it was with happy delight. He came down from the performance stage to say "hi" to my wheelchair-bound Dad at a SI Chamber Players concert, a year later adding his flawless bass to "Coney Island Baby" at my Dad's funeral. At the most recent Brigadoon rehearsal at Wagner, when he wasn't felling so well, he was talking about practicing the Bach cantata excerpts to keep his high horn playing in shape. Next morning he had checked into the hospital. We are truly devastated but will always carry many blessed memories of Steve-play oh HiHorn.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Steve was a guy who always loved what he was doing, and who always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Steve was a kind, funny, intelligent and very musical person. He always made me laugh. We had many memorable experiences with him in Washington State the summer we taught with him at the Midsummer Musical Retreat. I always will remember him with a smile on my face.
Steve was a good friend and I miss him a lot. I'm hopeful that we will play duets again someday.
What a wonderful man, and musician. You and your talent will be missed.
Dear Steve, I'll miss you at all the future reunion dinners. I never did get to give you that Christmas present i told you about when you were in the hospital.So long for now.
Steve sang for me at St. John's in Elizabeth. He was a good friend, consummate performer, and a first-rate musician. It was my good fortune to work with him. May he rest in peace. J. Mark Dunn
Dear Steve, I will miss you and I am sorry I didn't call you more while you were sick at the end of your life. AL
Since I moved away from New Jersey in 1967 I have only very old memories of Steve. I remember how much he loved singing in his very low voice, and the many trips we made to play in the Hudson Symphony. I was sorry to hear of his sudden passing.
Stephen you will really be missed.
Stephen is my friend and will be missed dearly.I hope he is playing all those duets,trios and any others that departed before him in the greatest of concert halls.God loves you Stephen.I'll see you again. I promise.
We shared the same birthday and political views, I'll miss your posts, pictures and insights on the world that you shared with all of us on FB. Create beautiful music on the other side.
St. Pete's orchestra and quintet--thanks, Steve, for sharing your wonderful musicianship with us all! R.I.P.
It is so wonderful to read all these memories from your many friends. It is true that you were this fine person, super musician, witty guy with a such a calm way about you. We love you! Till we meet again. Al
The "Newark Symphonic Band" and the "John Duke Band" Members, will always keep Steve in our Daily Routine! "LA SALUTE" John Duke
played horn along side of you once in early november and i am so glad i got the chance to meet/play with you. i'm playing an arrangement of new york new york you made for a woodwind quintet in may and it means so much to me. may you rest in peace
We wish to offer our condolences to Gary and his family. love the Griffin's
I am deeply saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Over the years, as the Principal Horn player in the NJCU Symphony of Winds & Percussion, he brought all of us a treasure of wonderful musicianship and human goodness. To quote a colleague, "Good musicians are a dime a dozen, but good musicians who are good people are a rarity." Steve was that rarity. I will miss him forever and a day. Nicholas Cerrato, Director NJCU Symphony of Winds & Percussion
TO MY COUSIN STEPHEN, WE RECONNECTED AFTER SO LONG, AND NOW YOUR GONE. THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR MEMORIES OF MARYLAND. I'LL MISS YOU LOVE ALWAYS COUSIN CHEE CHEE
Steve, you're a wonderful man whom I had the pleasure of performing with. Will miss you, your playing and great sense of humor:-) Peace and blessings to you my friend.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.