Fun, happy, athletic, protective, adventurous
“Ladies’ man” is what many jokingly called Steveo as he was growing up. He easily made friends, and always went out of his way for the people he cared about. Steveo was loved by anybody and everybody because he just lit up a room when he walked in it. His personality flowed with humor, caring, an adventurous spirit, and happiness.
Family, friends, and baseball were what he cared most about. He was very good at what he put his mind to. He was smart and talented, but often played “dumb” to fit in, and to avoid being funneled into academics. Instead, he chose to focus on his baseball skills when it came to his future goals. His dream was to be in the big leagues. He rose through the ranks, starting with the Newark American Little League and staying with various baseball teams as he grew up. He loved his teammates and enjoyed the whole atmosphere of teamwork in baseball. Steveo’s mother was his biggest fan.
His sister Victoria’s favorite memories of Steveo were full of fun and laughter. They always had a pool, which attracted neighborhood friends, and she remembers many times when he would teasingly throw the girls in the pool. They would feign protest but seemed to line up to get his attention. Victoria and Steveo’s favorite thing to do together was to play Wii bowling and also enjoyed going out bowling with her husband and a friend.
As young as he was, he would still take on the role of older brother when it came to protecting his sister. He stood six feet two inches tall and could be imposing when he wanted to. On occasion he found himself protecting Victoria from being picked on, and at those times she felt especially cared for and loved.
His adventurous energy showed up when they went to theme parks in Virginia. He adored roller coasters and water slides, while Victoria waited patiently on the sidelines for him to ride again and again with his arms held high, face in the wind, and a big smile on his face.
Steveo was a great role model to his nephew Mikey, who he helped raise. He loved that little boy, and they did everything together. He taught him baseball and even took him to the mall to “pick up girls.”
When Steveo was falling into his addiction, he changed. He became angry and distant and pushed people away. Victoria could not understand what was happening and felt hurt and angry. When she started to learn about addiction as a disease and what it does to your mind and body, she vowed not to do that to herself, and to educate her children about addiction.
Victoria still misses him every day. He died eight years ago, and he never got to meet her children, who were born since then. She is sad for the missed opportunities. It has been hard having kids and not being able to have her brother around; not to be able to watch him hang out with them or have him in their lives so he can be here for them- and for her.
Steven’s sister Victoria Mcavaney provided the information for this narrative.
August 25, 1992-February 7, 2015-Age 22
Portrait Artist. Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Lynn McKnight
