Steven Ray Funnell, 75, passed away on December 30, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida. Born on August 27, 1950, in Warsaw, Indiana, Steve lived a life marked by curiosity, generosity, and a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and the natural world.
From his earliest days, Steve approached life with enthusiasm and wonder. Born two months premature, he often joked that he was “so eager to get started in the world that he arrived feet first, two months early, and raring to go!” That eagerness remained a hallmark of his character throughout his life. His boundless curiosity made him a gifted teacher—one who inspired others through his passion for language, science, nature, and history.
Steve’s love of the outdoors was a defining part of who he was. He found joy and peace hiking and camping in state and national parks across the country. Whether trekking forest trails or setting up camp beneath the stars, he embraced the wilderness with reverence and delight. Scuba diving was another of his great passions—an experience he shared with his children and grandchildren—exploring underwater worlds with the same sense of awe that guided so much of his life.
A lifelong reader, Steve returned time and again to literary classics. Shakespeare and Mark Twain were particular favorites—Twain being what Steve fondly called his “lifelong friend.” These literary companions reflected Steven’s own wit, depth of thought, and appreciation for the human experience.
Steve never met a stranger. His warmth and openness drew people to him effortlessly. Once you were his friend, you were one for life. He gave freely of himself—not only in friendship but also in service to others. In recent years, he volunteered as a cuddler in the NICU at Golisano Children’s Hospital—a role that combined his gentle spirit with his enduring compassion.
Steve is survived by his wife, Maggie Stevens; daughter, Mary Schwandner; stepson, Alan Stevens and daughter-in-law, Amber Stevens; stepdaughter, Lara Salvo and son-in-law, Vince Salvo; beloved grandchildren, Kailey and Kendall Schwandner; Jacob, Joshua, Justin, and Joseph Stevens; and Sebastian and Sophie Wells Funnell; his aunt Mary Lou Smith; sisters-in-law, Barb and Judi Funnell; former spouse, Cheryl Smith; and nieces, nephews, grand and great grandnieces and nephews in whom he took delight. Lastly, he is survived by his ginger tabbies, Lucky and Liam with whom he constantly shared his chair. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Marybelle Funnell; brothers, Bernie and Bob Funnell; and son, Jason Funnell.
Generosity defined Steve’s life. He gave both time and treasure to causes close to his heart. In honor of this legacy, the family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to either the Harry Chapin Food Bank or Kimmie’s Recovery Zone—organizations that reflect Steve’s commitment to community care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at Lakes Regional Park, Pavilion B-2, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, Florida. The pavilion provides shade and picnic tables; guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.
May Steve's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness in all who carry forward his legacy.
From his earliest days, Steve approached life with enthusiasm and wonder. Born two months premature, he often joked that he was “so eager to get started in the world that he arrived feet first, two months early, and raring to go!” That eagerness remained a hallmark of his character throughout his life. His boundless curiosity made him a gifted teacher—one who inspired others through his passion for language, science, nature, and history.
Steve’s love of the outdoors was a defining part of who he was. He found joy and peace hiking and camping in state and national parks across the country. Whether trekking forest trails or setting up camp beneath the stars, he embraced the wilderness with reverence and delight. Scuba diving was another of his great passions—an experience he shared with his children and grandchildren—exploring underwater worlds with the same sense of awe that guided so much of his life.
A lifelong reader, Steve returned time and again to literary classics. Shakespeare and Mark Twain were particular favorites—Twain being what Steve fondly called his “lifelong friend.” These literary companions reflected Steven’s own wit, depth of thought, and appreciation for the human experience.
Steve never met a stranger. His warmth and openness drew people to him effortlessly. Once you were his friend, you were one for life. He gave freely of himself—not only in friendship but also in service to others. In recent years, he volunteered as a cuddler in the NICU at Golisano Children’s Hospital—a role that combined his gentle spirit with his enduring compassion.
Steve is survived by his wife, Maggie Stevens; daughter, Mary Schwandner; stepson, Alan Stevens and daughter-in-law, Amber Stevens; stepdaughter, Lara Salvo and son-in-law, Vince Salvo; beloved grandchildren, Kailey and Kendall Schwandner; Jacob, Joshua, Justin, and Joseph Stevens; and Sebastian and Sophie Wells Funnell; his aunt Mary Lou Smith; sisters-in-law, Barb and Judi Funnell; former spouse, Cheryl Smith; and nieces, nephews, grand and great grandnieces and nephews in whom he took delight. Lastly, he is survived by his ginger tabbies, Lucky and Liam with whom he constantly shared his chair. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Marybelle Funnell; brothers, Bernie and Bob Funnell; and son, Jason Funnell.
Generosity defined Steve’s life. He gave both time and treasure to causes close to his heart. In honor of this legacy, the family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to either the Harry Chapin Food Bank or Kimmie’s Recovery Zone—organizations that reflect Steve’s commitment to community care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at Lakes Regional Park, Pavilion B-2, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, Florida. The pavilion provides shade and picnic tables; guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.
May Steve's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness in all who carry forward his legacy.
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