Stephen M. Ceslik III

CESLIK, STEPHEN M. , III On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, Stephen M. Ceslik, III, also known professionally as Steve Deal, died at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long and courageous battle with leiomyosarcoma. He was born in Bridgeport on January 18, 1966 to Karen I. Ceslik and Stephen M. Ceslik, Jr., both of Milford. He was a graduate of Jonathan Law High School. Stephen was a lifelong musician starting at the age of 13. He began playing in clubs at the age of 18 with a notarized note from his parents. Stephen's first record deal was with Relativity/Sony with his band, Bleached Black, where he was known as "Stevo" during this period. He toured the USA and Canada several times as a support group for various bands. Bleached Black's video for the song, "I Was in Your Life", also appeared on MTV. Once the band parted ways, he became involved with several other musical projects, as well as releasing his own solo material. Stephen was also a member of a World War II reenactment group and made many close friends who were like brothers to him. He will be remembered for his love of music, creativity, comedic personality, and his large circle of friends. His love for his 41 lb. cat, Munson, brought Steve much comfort during his illness. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Kerri Sweetman; his brother-in-law, Jason Sweetman; his niece, Alina Sweetman; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, February 3, 2013 from 1 - 4 pm at the Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford. Panachida service will be held at 1:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10:30 am with Very Reverend Steven Belonick officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation, 1191 Maynard Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to leave condolences online.