Stephen J. Steinmetz — an adventurous and caring soul with an ornery streak and wicked sense of humor — loved to hunt, fish and ride horses, especially his beloved mount, Drum. A U.S. Army veteran and private pilot, he was a strong guy with a sweet and caring heart, who adored animals, most notably his buddy, “Jack” the dog. A graduate of St. Vincent High School, he worked at General Tire and Rubber Company and later became one of the Akron-area’s top realtors, along with his wife, Betty M. Steinmetz (Lattimer). But most of all he was a family man. He loved Betty, his high school sweetheart, with all his heart. They had many adventures together in 58 years of marriage, and built a big and tight-knit family.

Steve passed away Thursday, March 24, at the age 77 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife; loving daughters Deb Kalbaugh, Jean Reno (Mike), Beth Wrobel and Pam Sison (Orlando); grandchildren Billy and Brian Kalbaugh, Shauna Dutcher (Andy), Megan Kirby ( Dustin), Lauren Reno, and Brandon, Stephen and Carson Wrobel, Carli and Anna Sison; and great grandchildren Brody, Gemma and Ollie Dutcher.

The son of Harold and Alice Steinmetz, Steve was born Oct. 21, 1938, in Akron. He had close relationship with his brothers and sisters: Anne Berrodin, Joe Steinmetz, Mary Alyce Dentici, Ed Steinmetz (Susan), Joni Smith, Jane McElwain (John), Mary Kay Steinmetz, Lynne DeLapa (David). He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Louie Berrodin and sister-in-law Pat Sayer.

Steve was a loving husband and father, a great brother and a loyal friend to many. He was a wonderful storyteller, too, and loved to regale family and friends with animated tales. He loved sharing his interests and passions. Canada, for example, was his home away from home. He built a beautiful cabin on Lake Gowganda and enjoyed having company there.

Friends and family may call from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home, 3333 Kent Rd.(Rt. 59 at Rt. 91) in Stow. Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3179 Kent Rd., Stow. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron.

Donations of remembrance may be made to Harbor Light Hospice in Munroe Falls, Ohio, and to groups working to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

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