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Steven DePhillips Obituary
40, of Costa Mesa, Calif. died on Tuesday evening, August 30, after being the victim of a homicide when stabbed by an assailant down the street from his home. The suspect is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail. Steven was pronounced dead on arrival at Western Medical Center. The son of Steven and Deborah DePhillips, they nicknamed him "Skeebo." Steven was born in Anaheim, California on February 17, 1971 at Anaheim Memorial Hospital. He is survived by a daughter, two brothers and a sister, Shaun, Daniel and Summer, 11 nieces and nephews and 10 aunts and uncles.
A graduate of Fullerton High School in 1989, Steven's goal was to pursue a career in computer drafting. Unfortunately he struggled with the disease of drug addiction for the last 15 years of his life. When his daughter Katharine Olivia Gregory, now 6-years-old, was born it seemed to breathe a new life into him as he adored her and would do anything for her. Steven really tried to turn his life around after she was born. He was a fun loving person and would do anything he could to help people. He grew up playing baseball in the East Fullerton Little League and then Pony/Colt before high school. He was also a star quarterback for the Placentia/Yorba Linda Junior All American football teams until high school where he received many awards including scholar athlete in 1987. He was actively pursuing a college scholarship for sports, but sadly entered a world of addiction.
A good daddy, great athlete and a loving person, Steven was admired and loved by many though mostly unaware how much he positively influenced some of the people in his life. While he felt the only person who loved him was his daughter, this just isn't true.
A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. on September 14, at Rose Hills Memorial Park at 3888 Workman Mill Road in Whittier at gate 17. A reception will immediately follow at the home of Steven's parents Mr. and Mrs. Jay Werbil from 3 to 6 p.m. at 112 N. Roosevelt Ave., Fullerton.
A memorial trust has been set up for Steven's daughter Katharine. For more information please call Rose Hills Memorial Park (562) 699-0921 or Mrs. Jay Werbil (714) 879-7871.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven DePhillips
Katherine Gregory
August 4, 2017
Dad, it's been 7 years since your passing. I have to admit, it's been hard at times with mom and everyone. Life isn't same as it was when you were here, you brought a light on any subject sad, scary, or new to me. You were and are my first and only best friend I've had. You will forever be apart of me and our family. I love you and miss you, may your soul be at an eternal peace.
Love your daughter,
Katherine ✝❤
David Brown
July 28, 2012
I was very Saddened to hear of the Passing of Steve. He was always one with a Joke, Kind comment, and he Kept Football Practice Bearable. Steve was Loved by everyone who knew him, and was such a Gentle Soul. We had alot of Good Times in School Steve, God Bless My Friend.
#39 Forever
November 10, 2011
steve,
you will always be thought of often. you have a place in my heart so you will never be forgotten. sleep with the angels. love you always.
October 13, 2011
After high school we all went on with our lives. I lost contact with Steve. We were so close, you would have thought we were brother and sister? He was my best friend, best brother, son, and was a GREAT father. I know how things were growing up being teens, we shared alot with each other, and i know one thing now, the demon of addiction can longer haunt you, and you can be free like you always tried to do, but thats how it works. R.I.P. I will always remember you, and I will never forgive myself for not trying harder to find you and see how you were doing sooner. I was too late, a month too late......Life is too short!!!!!
love, Wendy Weaver
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, STEVE
Laura GREGORY
September 29, 2011
STEVE, YOU WERE A SON, A FOOTBALL STAR, A COMPANION, A LOVER, BEST OF ALL, A FATHER. EVERYDAY I WAIT FOR THE PAIN TO SUBSIDE, OR THE EMPTINESS IN MY HEART TO BE FILLED. TO NO AVEIL. I MISS YOU NOW, AS I, AM SURE, I ALWAYS WILL. YOU ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART AND IN MY THOUGHTS. I WILL SEE THAT JUSTICE IS SERVED FOR THIS UNNECESSARY ACT OF VIOLENCE. WE ARE ALL ANGUISHING OVER THIS TRAGEDY. I PRAY THAT YOU ARE WATCHING OVER KATHERINE, AS SHE NEEDS YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW. RECENTLY BACK TO SCHOOL, AS WELL AS STRUGGLING WITH THE LOSS OF HER DAD. KATHERINE IS DISTANT AND FALLING BEHIND IN HER STUDIES. I HOPE SHE STARTS TAKING AN INTEREST IN LIFE AGAIN. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE BRIGHT SPOT IN MY LIFE. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE WHERE YOU CAN KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON OUR DAUGHTER. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE TIME THAT WE HAD TOGETHER. AND THE CHILD THAT WE SHARE TOGETHER. I LOVE YOU STEVE. ALWAYS YOUR LAURA
Lawrence Ploski
September 25, 2011
Sorry we lost Steve. Rip, my old Comrade.
L.A.Ploski
Janet Needham
September 25, 2011
Steve was in my Spanish class at Fullerton High School. I watched him play football and remember how great he was! I will never forget his smile and the way he made people laugh.
Lisa
September 23, 2011
I've contemplated what to say, and still don't have the words. I wish circumstances would have been different. I'll never forget seeing your photo for the first time, recognizing features staring back at me - you were part of someone who I love and I instantly loved you for that. I doubt that you ever knew that, and I'm sorry that it took a circumstance such as this for me to tell you. My last memories of you were of you smiling & a Christmas card boasting your love for and a photo of your daughter. She looks like you, and she's beautiful. I didn't know you in your glory days of football, I didn't know your troubles, but I know that despite whatever circumstances were, you loved deeply and were loved deeply by those who mattered most. In the end, that's what matters - that is a successful life. Rest in peace Steven. Love you.
Lisa Gregory
September 20, 2011
Steve, You were about the best brother in law a girl could have. You always had a pleasant smile for me. Your a kind and generous spirit. You will be greatly missed. You gave a wonderful gift to us, Katherine! Thanks for being Katherine's hero. I love you. Lisa Gregory your sister in law
Vivianne Wightman-Hall
September 14, 2011
I am so saddened to hear of Steven's death. I attended grade school though high school with Steve, and though we were not really close I have fond memories of him. I remember Steve as being positive and spirited, but always quick to smile and joke. Steve touched the lives of many, and I know he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Kathy
September 14, 2011
I only met Steve once while we were both volunteering for the Costa Mesa Soup-Kitchen's annual Toy-Drive for Children. He dressed-up as Santa Claus and I as Mrs. Claus. From the moment we arrived in a big red fire-truck with all the sirens/lights blaring, I watched him greet the huge line of small children with a mighty ho-ho-ho and Santa laughter. All thru that day, he picked children up into the air and onto his Santa lap giving each one a gift while listening to their Christmas wishes. He surely put smiles on hundreds of little faces in that one single day. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Shannon Atchley
September 14, 2011
Steveo always made me smile everytime I saw him. We shared some great moments together and he will be dearly missed.
Rest in peace, my friend and keep your watchful eye on your baby girl!!
Al Oritz
September 14, 2011
Yo buddy! I will miss you, you were loved. Katherine, your daddy loved you so much. You were the light of the candle to your father. Bless you!
Cindy Dennis
September 13, 2011
Steven had it all...and such a gift for making people feel good. I became his aunt at the age of 8 and loved watching him grow up into such an incredible person. I was very sad at the path he took but, as a nurse, understand the hold addiction can have on someone. Rest in peace, Steven. I agree with Rebecca that you really had no idea how much joy you gave us, and above all, your mother.
Laura Gregory
September 13, 2011
AFTER FIFTEEN YRS. I WAS STILL YOUR BIGGEST FAN. THE LOSS I FEEL IS SO GREAT, IT'S HARD TO IMAGINE MY LIFE WITHOUT U. I TRY EVERYDAY, TO PUT ON A HAPPY FACE FOR OUR DAUGHTER, BUT THE FINALITY YOUR PASSING IS ALL CONSUMING. I MISS U MORE THAN WORDS CAN TELL. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN STEVE. I LOVE U. LAURA
Rebecca Kelley
September 12, 2011
Steven was full of life and really knew how to light up a room with his outgoing personality. Yet as with so many other people he reminded me of such as John Belushi and John Candy, he had the disease of drug addiction. He now rests in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ with peace and dignity. His life will live on through his beautiful daughter Katharine Olivia Gregory. I am one of his five aunts who will remember Steven's football games, Christmas memories as so much more. While our families loss is tragic and incomprehensible due to an assailant cutting his life short, we will choose to remember all of the good times in Steven's life.
Jon O'Donnell
September 12, 2011
Rest in peace my friend. Sommer we love you. Condolances to you & your family.
Julie
September 12, 2011
Although I did not know Steven, to read about his death and the struggle he was challenging with his drug addition, really saddens me. It sounds like he has touched so many hearts and will carry on many special memories with so many. I am sorry to hear about his loss.
Christne Walker
September 12, 2011
I love ya Man! You will be missed my Friend!
Kristen Nelsen
September 12, 2011
I attended high school at FHS with Steve. Always so kind and smiling. My condolences to his famiily. He was loved. RIP, you won't be forgotten.
Connie Van Horn
September 11, 2011
I have placed Steven’s obituary on the Fullerton High School’s alumni blog so that more of his friends and classmates may see it.
Connie Stafford Van Horn, FUHS ‘53
Don Napravnik
September 11, 2011
Rest in Peace Buddy. Thanks for all the memories from elementary school through high school. Long live #39.
Julie Barber
September 10, 2011
Steve, you were such a great friend and person. I am so glad our paths crossed. You will live in my heart forever and never be forgotten.
Gina Underwood
September 10, 2011
I attended school with Steven from grade school through high school. I was sadden to hear of his death. My heart goes out to his family.
Jackie Ramirez
September 10, 2011
It hadnt been long since I had asked a mutual friend about Steve , We talked about all the memories of our elementary.jr high and high school years and what a wonderful friend he was. ..and how every memory had such an amazing story. His passing will definitly be felt by all of us who knew Steve. My deepest condolences to his daughter and family. Rest in Peace Steve.
Lene Righeimer
September 8, 2011
God bless you and keep you Steve. You are and always will be Katherine's hero.
Steve G.
September 7, 2011
Steve was a great individual. He was funny, hard working and he loved his family. Steve was truly a kind person with an honest heart, his passing is a loss to all who knew him.
JOSE RAMOS
September 7, 2011
REST IN PEACE HOMIE I ONLY NEW U A SHORT TIME U WERE ALWAYS COOL WITH ME SAY WATS UP TO MY BROTHER 4 ME STEVE. JOSE RAMOS WESTMINSTER CA.
Anita Rotenberg (Weintraub)
September 7, 2011
I've been thinking about Steve for days now and remembering grade school, middle school, and high school with him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Ted Martinez
September 6, 2011
Love you brother. RIP
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