Stephen Montefiore Joseph

Stephen Montefiore Joseph passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 15, 1956 to the late Montefiore and Doris Joseph (née Gonneau), Steve grew up in Pittsburgh and after formative stops in Richmond, Indiana, Columbus, Ohio, and Boston, Massachusetts, he returned home, marrying his beloved wife Maria (née Spiros) in 1992. They raised their sons Aaron and Will in a loving household filled with Steve’s passion for books and learning, Looney Tunes, and a love of the world and the beings that inhabit it. Steve treasured evenings at PNC Park to see the Pittsburgh Pirates despite their decades of incompetence. He and Maria spared nothing to take the family on trips that demonstrated the wonder and beauty of this world, always creating enduring memories in the process. In addition to Maria, Aaron and his wife Abby (née Gramm), and Will, Steve is survived by his brother Ken and Ken’s wife Susan Small, his sister Susan Stepusin and her husband John, and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Steve will be remembered above all for his dry, sharp wit, his love and devotion to his family and friends, and his gentleness to all. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the causes in which Steve most passionately believed: Literacy Pittsburgh (https://www.literacypittsburgh.org/charitable-donations/), the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (https://marinesanctuary.org/), or the Faculty Enhancement Fund at Butler County Community College (https://www.bc3.edu/about/support/index.html), where he dedicated nearly thirty years of his life as a librarian, administrator, and educator. There will be no funeral service, but a Celebration of Life will take place February 15, 2025 from 3-5pm at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh (605 Morewood Ave), with light refreshments to follow.

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