Edward Joseph Steppe

Edward Joseph Steppe, of Ocala, Florida passed away on December 23, 2021 after a brief illness.
Edward was born on September 191945 to Charles and Grace Steppe in Kew Gardens, NY. After graduating from West Babylon Senior High School in West Babylon, NY in 1963, he went on to study Horticulture at the State University of New York at Farmingdale and then to the University of Georgia.
After graduation, he landed his first job as a teacher and football coach at a local high school in Amsterdam NY, kicking off a 25 year career in teaching horticulture at the State University of New York at Farmingdale. After he retired the first time he moved his family to Maine where he purchased a general store in a small town called Jefferson, he owned this store for 10 years before moving back to New York to work for the State of New York Department of Parks and Recreation. When Edward finally retired he and his bride moved to Ocala, Florida. Edward continued learning and received his Master Gardeners Certification. Edward was a family man whose family always came first. Whether it was to support his son during sporting events years ago, or seeing his granddaughter playing ice hockey, helping his daughter make repairs in her new home, he was there. He was our voice of reason. I will share a piece of advice which my dad would tell me and my brother all the time, each time like it was the first, "measure twice, cut once".
In 1966, he met Lauren DeMartini the love of his life and the person he still called his bride, they wed in November of 1968, going on to have two children Kelly and Christian.
After retiring in 2008, Edward spent his time planting his gardens, continuing his love of learning by receiving his Master Gardeners Certification, visiting his family in Maine and going camping.
Edward was predeceased by his father Charles Steppe, mother Grace Steppe, sister Judith Record (Gilbert). He is survived by his wife Lauren Steppe, daughter Kelly Steppe, son Christian Steppe, granddaughter Isabella Steppe, sister Janet Griffin (Thomas) and sister Joan Steppe-Kandler (Troy).
No service will be held per Edwards request, but the kids will be planning a gathering to celebrate his life in the near future. Please attend this party with joy in your heart and only remember the good times. If you would like to make a donation in Edward's name please make a check payable to the University of Florida attn Master Gardeners and send to the Marion County Extension Office 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd Ocala, Florida 34470.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baldwin Brothers Heritage Place Chapel, 954 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 200, Ocala, FL. 34470. PH: 352-236-5884
Online Condolences as well as fond memories may be left for the Steppe family by visiting www.BaldwinCremation.com