Joseph

Stephen Montefiore Joseph passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Dec. 15, 1956, to the late Montefiore and Doris Joseph (née Gonneau), Steve grew up in Pittsburgh and after formative stops in Richmond, Ind., Columbus, Ohio, and Boston, Mass., 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.

JOSEPH — There will be no funeral service for Stephen Montefiore Joseph, who died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, but a celebration of life will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, 605 Morewood Ave., Pittsburgh, with light refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the causes in which Steve most passionately believed: Literacy Pittsburgh, literacypittsburgh.org/charitable-donations; the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, marinesanctuary.org; or the Faculty Enhancement Fund at Butler County Community College, www.bc3.edu/about/support/index.html, where he dedicated nearly thirty years of his life as a librarian, administrator and educator.

Arrangements have been entrusted to BALL FUNERAL CHAPEL, Pittsburgh.

For more information, visit www.ballfc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.