Steve Stose, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, at the age of 78 in Melbourne, Florida. Born on November 4, 1946, in Goshen, Indiana, to William and Carol Stose, Steve lived a vibrant and inspiring life defined by dedication, service, and an entrepreneurial passion, all anchored by his deep Christian faith—and a knack for brightening every room with his legendary dad jokes and quick wit.

Steve served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, exemplifying courage and commitment. After his service, he channeled his energy into a successful entrepreneurial career, where his innovative spirit and tireless work ethic left a lasting impression. An avid coin collector, Steve found joy in the hobby’s details, a nod to his love of history and his banker father. But it was his playful side—poking fun at his kids and grandkids with a twinkle in his eye—that truly defined him. No one was safe from his good-natured teasing, and his groan-worthy dad jokes were delivered with impeccable timing.

For 57 remarkable years, Steve shared a loving marriage with his devoted wife, Diana Stose, built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and love of family. Together, they raised three children—Bill, Steve, and Jodi—who inherited their father’s integrity, determination, and, occasionally, his mischievous humor. Steve’s pride and joy shone brightest in his seven granddaughters—Mikayla, Lindsey, Cassidy, Hannah, Allison, Erin and Ghalia, all of whom he adored.

A man of faith, Steve served at Calvary Chapel in Melbourne, greeting congregants with warmth and sharing his generous spirit with all. His Christian values guided him, but his love for life’s simple joys—like spending hours watching YouTube videos of Celine Dion and Whitney Houston belting out their hits—kept him young at heart. His family can still hear him humming “I Will Always Love You” or marveling at Celine’s high notes.

Steve’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and the countless lives he touched with his resilience, wisdom, and irrepressible cheer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana; his children, Bill (Christy) Stose, Steve (Esther Vivanco) Stose, and Jodi (Glen) Greenawalt; his grandchildren, Mikayla (Jake) Bencie, Lindsey Stose, Cassidy Stose, Hannah Greenawalt, Allison (Houston) Hutchins, Erin (Wrangler) Stenberg, and Ghalia Vivanco-Stose; and his sister, Linda Wortinger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Calvary Chapel Church-Melbourne in Steve’s name.

Steve Stose’s warmth, faith, and infectious humor will forever brighten the lives of those who knew him, and he will be missed.

Memorial Keepers (1)

Stephen Paul Stose