Steven was born on February 25, 1954 in Hartford, Connecticut and lived his formative years in Windsor, Connecticut. He attended Adelphi University from 1972 to 1977, where he achieved a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work. His first job was with the State of New York as a social work case manager at the Letchworth Village Development Center in Rockland County.  After two years, Steven transitioned to a new position with The Arc Westchester as a social worker in its residential department. Over the next 16 years, he held other direct service and supervisory roles as well as one to develop new programs for the organization that remain in operation today. He was instrumental in creating the first non-profit agency case management program for children and adults with developmental disabilities as well as a crisis intervention program and an outreach program for unserved and underserved families who were not able to connect with the service system due to barriers such as language and poverty.

Steven became the Assistant Executive Director at Westchester Jewish Community Services in 1995 and for the next 15 years oversaw its group homes for adults with developmental disabilities and its case management services. During this tenure, he was involved in the creation of the first kosher group home in Westchester as well as 5 additional group homes. During his last three years, he co-led with the Jewish Child Care Association the development of the P.O.I.N.T. Program, which served adults with developmental disabilities capable of living independently and with support.

Steven returned to The Arc Westchester in 2011 and during the next nine years was involved in several areas of the organization in a leadership capacity including case management, clinic services, quality improvement, and other outpatient services. He was the lead person in the collaborative effort to develop a shared living model of services, which became a reality in 2020. 

Steven was involved in volunteer efforts in Westchester with the Westchester Institute for Human Development on its advisory board and its Board of Directors. He also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. 

Retirement came in March 2020 along with Covid-19, a more auspicious beginning he could not have chosen. By July of that year, he moved to his current residence in Ashburn, Virginia to be closer to his sons/daughter in-laws and subsequent grandson. He very much enjoyed retirement as he volunteered with several organizations including the Medical Reserve Corps of Virginia (helping out at a mass vaccination center), Home Delivered Meals of Loudoun County, The Humane Society of Loudoun County, The Arc of Montgomery County (Md.), and Boulder Crest Retreat (a center for veterans and first responders to heal) where he helped the chef prepare meals. In addition, he found part time work with two companies that provide on-line auctions and other services for those needing estate sales and downsizing of one’s possessions. He thoroughly enjoyed exploring Northern Virginia and reveled in its diversity and beauty. Retirement also allowed for more time to devote to his great love of cooking and entertaining. 

Steven is survived by his wife Lisa, who loved him dearly and did her best to help care for him. He is also survived by his beloved sons, Jeff (Olivia) and Greg (Brooke), and the cutest grandson in Northern Virginia, Beckett Graham, as well as his brother Howard and nephew Eric (Melissa). Also surviving Steven are his father-in-law Harry Lennon as well as his brother in-law David Lennon (Rochelle), their daughter Laura and sister in-law Linda Lennon (Dennis). Steven was predeceased by his nephew Michael, sister-in-law Susan as well as his beloved dogs Angel (not really, but we just kept the name given by the first owner) and Boomer (a dog everyone could love). 

Steven is grateful for the friendships he formed in college, in New York and in his brief time in Virginia. Everyone’s support, love, caring and all the food meant the world to him and Lisa especially during the past few months. 

Donations for those that may be so inclined can be made to Boulder Crest Retreat (Bluemont, Virginia) or to a charity that is near and dear to your heart.