In loving memory of

Stephen E. Steidel
April 12, 1944 - June 28, 2014

Stephen E. Steidel, 70, of Punta Gorda, Fla. passed away at home on June 28 after a lengthy struggle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a debilitating neurological condition.
Born on April 12, 1944 and brought up in Holbrook, Long Island, NY, Steve was the son of Leo and Anna (Jimmie, nee Donovan) Steidel.
After graduation from Sachem High School and Adelphi University, Steve joined the Suffolk County Police Department where his 24 years of service saw him appointed to several supervisory positions until his retirement as a Detective Captain in 1990. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Steve also served as an adjunct instructor in criminal justice at Suffolk Community College.
Drawing on his experience as commander of the juvenile bureau, Steve next began a 15-year career as a law enforcement trainer with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, DC. He eventually became the Center's Associate Director of Training and was involved in training thousands of officers nationwide in the investigation of missing children cases. While with the Center, Steve also co-authored and edited an investigative manual on missing children that the US Dept of Justice distributed to every police department in the nation.
After moving to Punta Gorda in 2000, Steve soon began a relationship with Edison State College's Lifetime Learning Institute where he developed and presented popular courses on the American Presidents and the First Ladies.
Steve is survived by Fran, his wife of 49 years; daughters Debra Eve (Michael) Wall of Silver Spring, MD and Lee Ann Steidel of New York City; a granddaughter, Lillian Wall; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and a large group of caring friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sara Toncelli.
In keeping with his wishes, arrangements have been made to donate Steve's brain tissue to the University of Miami Brain Endowment Bank to help in the discovery of a treatment or cure for MSA.
A celebration of Steve's life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, or, a kindness passed on to someone in need.





Tributes

Arthur W. Brewer wrote on Jul 11, 2014:

"My deepest sympathy to Steve's family. Steve was not only a fellow Officer with the Suffolk County Police Dept. but a neighbor as well for the many years his family resided in Cutchogue, Long Island. He talked me into joining the Cutchogue Vol. Fire Dept. He was a special person."

Kevin J Lynch wrote on Jul 10, 2014:

"So sorry to hear of Steves passing. As reading the other comments, I thought, "why is everyone saying what I wanted to say!" We both joined the Cutchogue Fire Dept about the same time, and quickly struck up a good friendship. Steve was working in SCPD Juvenile when I was assigned to the Juvenile Aid Bureau in Southold Town, and he was most helpful helping me along the way. He was one of the kindest and most helpful persons I have ever met. Thank you for sharing him with us! Rest well Steve, and thank you for being you."

Insp. John Triandafils Ret. wrote on Jul 10, 2014:

"The Suffolk County Police Department can be compared to a huge family. As young rookies, we grow up within a secure environment, learning each day, guided by our elder officers, but each of us in turn bringing our own particular footprint if you will. Steve left a tremendous footprint for all of us to follow. He was one of those guys you loved to meet every day at work. Always a smile, always a cheerful greeting. His contributions to the Department are too numerous to mention, but can be judged by his advancement throughout his career. Steve shall now be part of our extended family, hopefully looking down on each of us as an inspiration. It was truly my honor to have known and worked with Steve. My condolences to his family. Please know how special he was."

Pete and Linda Daut wrote on Jul 10, 2014:

"We are truly sorry for your loss and we will miss him greatly. Love and Hugs from our family to yours "

Ismael Martinez wrote on Jul 7, 2014:

"Dear Deb, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ismael"

Angel and Enriqueta Castillo wrote on Jul 6, 2014:

"We found it quite touching to read about Stephen. It reminded us of all the past years we've known him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. "

Char Robinson wrote on Jul 4, 2014:

"I had the pleasure pf taking Steve's First Ladies course at Edison. He was a warm and gifted teacher, and a gentleman. He will be missd. My condolences."

Judy Berger wrote on Jul 3, 2014:

"I took Steve's LLI classes on the Presidents and then the First Ladies. He had a real gift for sharing his love of history. Steve was very proud of his family and mentioned them during his classes. He made a real impact."

Carla Riner wrote on Jul 3, 2014:

"Deb & Family, May you be granted peace and comfort during your time of loss, and hopefully rejoice in the full life that your father had. Blessings to you & yours."

Gail Burger wrote on Jul 3, 2014:

"Dear Fran and family...we met Steve later in life as well..you could not meet him and not be struck with the kindness and realness of the man. Conversations with him were always fascinating looks into his life, professional and personal. His love of his family shown through, always. We did not spend as much time with him as we wished, life gets in the way of plans, it seems. The tribute on this site is so touching and a beautiful glimpse into who Steve was. We wish for you Fran, along with your entire family, the peace of memories shared with this special and beautiful man. Love to you, with our sincere condolences. Gail and Garth Burger"

Maria Carosa Stanwich wrote on Jul 2, 2014:

"Dear Deb, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Father. Sincerely, Maria"

George n Jill LaCorte wrote on Jul 2, 2014:

"May your Flaming Arrow burn bright my Sachem Brother. Time, years and miles have kept Us apart but after seeing this photo presentation I felt the love that surround you and your Family."

Ben Ermini wrote on Jul 2, 2014:

"May Steve find eternal peace. He will be missed by all who crossed paths with him. He was a caring and gentle man."

Lydia Reid, Dan and Caleb Jansen wrote on Jul 2, 2014:

"Deb, Michael, Lily, Lee and Fran - we are so sorry and are mourning with you. I only got to meet Steve a couple of times - but have always loved Deb's stories and memories of her dad and family. He touched my life through Deb and I am thankful for that. Love and prayers - Lydia, Dan and Caleb. "

Stephen & Carolyn Dugas wrote on Jul 2, 2014:

"Our prayers are with the family and our thoughts and memories are with Steve. He was a special person who I met later in life and regert not meeting him sooner. He will always have a special place in my heart."