Passed away at home with family at his side on Thursday morning after a 3-year battle with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Married 53 years to Margaret “Peg”(Smith). He is predeceased by his infant daughter Karen and brother Vincent Steffan. Loving father of Nora (Andy) Gathje of Stewartville, MN, Gretchen (Shane) Crudele of Hilton, NY and Mark (Jessica) Steffan of Hooksett, NH. Adored grandfather to Andrew, Bennett (Megan) Henry Gathje and Jack, Claire (Ted), Lucy and Emma Crudele. Brother of Barbara (Herb) Gallagher, Susan (Kurt) Mathias and Lisa (Tom) Barnett. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Born in Buffalo, NY to the late Robert and Geraldine Steffan, he attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute graduating in 1964 and held a degree in Finance from Pace University. He worked for 37 years as the Vice President of Leasing at JP Morgan Chase. Bob enjoyed reminiscing about the years he rowed for St. Joe’s and West Side Rowing Club, and he loved the Sabres and Bills in equal measure. He will be fondly remembered for always placing family first, his exceptional memory, boisterous voice and legendary hands.
Friends may greet the family at Walker Bros. Funeral Home (21 S. Main Street, Churchville, NY 14428) on Monday July 25th between the hours of 3-7 PM. The family requests that in his remembrance you make a blood donation in his name as he has done for over 50 years. Bob made an anatomical gift of his body to the University of Rochester Medical School.
