Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1970
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Steven Forte Obituary
Steven Lee Forte was born on July 29, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late John Frazier Forte and the late Lois Elizabeth (Blackwell) Forte. He was the fifth of seven Forte siblings.
Raised in a loving, faith-centered home, Steve graduated from Wintersville High School in Wintersville, Ohio, in 1988. While there, he excelled in athletics and earned varsity letters in track and field.
Following high school, Steve honorably served in the United States Army as a military police officer, both domestically and abroad. After completing his military service, he pursued his passion for creativity and earned a degree in Arts and Marketing from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Over the course of more than 35 years, Steve dedicated his professional life to service—whether through the military, law enforcement, or civic roles. Most recently, he worked in client support services with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Yet Steve’s greatest calling was ministry. A man of deep faith, raised in the Apostolic Pentecostal tradition, Steve was a tireless servant of Christ and a champion for the marginalized. His personal mission was to reach “the last, the least, and the lost.” He lived that calling as the founder and director of The Fishers Council, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to holistic community outreach and evangelism.
For the past 15 years, Steve also served as the director of Jr. Ironmen and Sycamore Corps, a youth mentoring program at the Sycamore Youth Center, where his mentorship changed countless lives. Through every conversation, program, and act of kindness, Steve planted seeds of faith, love, and purpose in the hearts of youth and adults alike.
His legacy is not only etched in the programs he led but in the lives of those he mentored, inspired, and uplifted. Mr. Steve, we salute you—a man worthy of honor, remembered for his compassion, strength, and unwavering commitment to service.
Steve was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elizabeth Gilliam Blackwell Fields, Perry Blackwell, and William Fields; his paternal grandparents, Slone and Ophelia Tinsley Forte; his beloved parents, John and Lois; and his brother, Pastor Jonathan Forte.
He is survived by his siblings: Melisa (Danny) Jones, Anthony (Karen) Forte, Timothy (Jennifer) Forte, Angelita Forte, and Jehu (Destinee) Forte; his son, Miles Forte; his daughter, Sadie Forte; 16 nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Steve’s life was a testament to faith in action, and his memory will live on in every life he touched.
All services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025. A graveside service will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Union Cemetery, located at 1720 Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville, Ohio. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Sycamore Youth Center, 301 North Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Forte
Josh Schoonover
September 16, 2025
Mr Steve was a great man. I only knew him for a little but he made a big impact on my heart. Losing him is like losing a piece of myself. Even though you can't read this Steve, I love you.
Charlie Whiteman
August 7, 2025
I just found out about Steve’s passing this evening!
I knew him for a short while (2 years).
This was a genuine man who had a love for Jesus, that he passed on to the kids he mentored! The kids loved him, and respected him! Because of his teachings, they will pass on his love and grace for Christ, thru their lives, honoring him without having to mention his name! Steve was a humble soul and now in heaven!! Amen to a true man of God!
Michelle Gilliam Bembry
July 1, 2025
With deepest sympathies from the Gilliam family Frank Jr (Jacquie) Ariel , Trey , Gayle Gilliam and Michelle(Gilliam) and Michael Bembry GOD BLESS you All ! ❤
Richelle Lefler
June 28, 2025
Steve was an incredible man. We became friends at a time in my life when I just needed someone to shed the Light of Jesus on me. We both served as local coordinators for our county's Special Olympics programs, and we were able to encourage each other through this. He also found a way to always include and welcome my oldest daughter, Chelsea, to our dinners, lunches, and conversations. While I know that Steve was a man of great faith, he will be greatly missed on this side of heaven. Life will not be the same without you. I'm so thankful for all of our memories and conversations. Thank you, dear Steve, for reflecting God's Love to us.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rachel Burke
June 28, 2025
My heart goes out to the family of such a great man who has touched so many lives with his kind heart and words sending love and prayers to you all
Brian Popp
June 28, 2025
My brother I love and miss you. Rest easy until we meet again. Hug Colton and dad for me.
Natalee Jones
June 28, 2025
I’ll always remember the first day I met Mr. Steve—he found me and my brother fighting in the street and stepped in to break it up. That moment changed everything, as it led to me joining Sycamore Corps. I’ve come a long way since then. Even when he caught me smoking, he never judged me—he saw that I wasn’t a bad kid, just someone with bad habits.
Mr. Steve was more than a mentor; he became the only father figure I’ve ever had. I’m deeply grateful for all the moments we shared—going to stores, having lunch, and just spending time together. He was an amazing person, and I’ll never forget him.
Rest in peace, Mr. Steve. I know you’re in heaven. Thank you for everything.(Natalee)
Selena Forte'
June 27, 2025
[re-edited version] My sincere condolences to my paternal cousin and to his family and Siblings. I have experienced the loss and hurt of a Losing a loved one. And you guys where there for me. It had been so many years since I’ve seen Steven. But kept in touch with his older brother Anthony. Our fathers were close and blood is thinker than water. My father ask that I send his love and I am sure, so does all of the members of the Forte' family send their love and prayers, that we know that with time comes healing. It is Yahweh/Gods Will. It should now leave you with the wonderful memories and personal experiences you all had shared with Steven. So I leave you with this message. We all do not have long. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, for we can shout now, for we are not far behind you Steven, as you contend until we all cross over the river Jordan to the heavenly Jerusalem the mother of us all. They without us should not be made perfect that we may all go over together as Birthsons/Children, after his Divine Nature Attributes-DNA of our heavenly Father and Mother. Now is the time for one to examine ourselves and know that you are walking the walk. Your conscience is your indicator. And if Steve had been an example of our Saviour character, then what ought of person should we all be. Much love from your Cousin Selena Forte’ and family.
Selena Forte'
June 27, 2025
My sincere condolences to my paternal cousin and to his family and Siblings. I have experienced the loss and hurt of a Losing a loved one. And you guys where there for me. It had been so many years since I’ve seen Steven. But kept in touch with his older brother Anthony. Our fathers were close and blood is thinker than water. My father ask that I send his love and I am sure, so does all of the members of the Forte family send their love and prayers, that we know that with time comes healing. It is Yahweh/Gods. It will leave you with the wonderful memories and personal experiences you all had shared with Steven. So I leave you with this message. We all do not have long. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, for we can shout now, for we are not far behind you Steven, as you contend until we all cross over the river Jordan to the heavenly Jerusalem the mother of us all. They without us should not be made perfect that we may all go over together as Birthsons/Children, after his Divine Nature Attributes-DNA of our heavenly Father and Mother. Now is the time for one to examine ourselves and know that you are walking the walk. Your conscience is your indicator. An if Steve had been an example of our Saviour, the what ought of person should we all be. Much love from your Cousin Selena Forte’ and family.
Chantinez Blackwell
June 23, 2025
My condolences to his siblings and family. My heart is heavy as I write this. Stevie was a true light in this world—a God-fearing young man who lived with purpose, compassion, and faith.
Though his time was far too short, his legacy of love, service, and faith will live on. I thank God for the blessing of knowing him. Rest peacefully, Stevie you have truly earned your crown.
Anthony White
June 23, 2025
I never met you but I know your brother rest peacefully
Sharon McGee
June 23, 2025
My sending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr Forte. So thankful just to know him. For 15 years ago he embraced my son with loving arms when the program first started with his youth ministry. For three weeks ago I had the opportunity to receive help for the Sycamore youth group to help a friend move boxes to a storage unit. We briefly spoke about the program he created to help children of all types to succeed in being a better you through love and compassion in the community to all. As he spoke my son was one of the reasons the problem started. I cried. He will be deeply missed for his heartfelt love to each and every person he came in contact with.Heaven couldn’t wait for you. Job well done servant.
Gerald Simpson
June 21, 2025
He was a grate man
Bishop Nathan M. & Lady Navonya W. Milton
June 21, 2025
Such a great guy, and friend. Love the Forte family. Praying for his children, siblings and the Forte family in JESUS name
Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum
June 21, 2025
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Steven Lee Forte, give you peace, comfort and strength
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten...
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of .
US Army Veteran, Steven Lee Forte, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Tammy Ruckman
June 21, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I met him as a customer where I work at Big Lots. I remember him as being very kind, mannerly and so nice to talk to! God called a good man home!
Barri Vazquez-Muhs
June 20, 2025
My husband and I were blessed to partner with Steve while we pastored for 3 years in Steubenville. Sending love and prayers to his family.
Serenity Smith
June 20, 2025
Prayers to the Forte family and friends. Mr.Steve one of my favorite people you were one of the best mentors to me and the rest of sycamore you meant so much to me.the way you spoke, your words weren’t just through your mouth, they were through your heart.
Your kindness and wisdom makes me the person I am today. May you rest in peace,
Love, Serenity
Tomeika Burke
June 20, 2025
My Deepest Condolences to the Forte family.... Praying for strength and understanding during this difficult time.
Brandy, Gloria, and Grace (Blackwell) Golden
June 20, 2025
Forte Family, you have our deepest condolences. We're praying GOD's comfort for you all.
Linda WASHINGTON
June 20, 2025
Heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Steven Forte. Steve loved, lived, served his family and community with all his heart and soul. His faithfulness unto the Lord will be remembered always and forever. God Bless You.
Francine Sutton-Brooks
June 20, 2025
My heart felt condolences and prayers to the family may God be with you all at this difficult time.
Mario and Bobette Huzovic
June 20, 2025
To the family and friends of “Coach Steve.” Steve was a man of great faith and lived our Jojo do well! We are so grateful for him, for all he did for Special Olympics, Unified Sports and simply welcoming all our kids!
Huck and Craig
June 20, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Regina Jackson
June 20, 2025
Tim,I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.
May our Heavenly Father,give you and your entire family comfort at this time.
Your cousin,
Reggie
Cassandra and James Jefferson
June 20, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Steven Forte's name
Memorial Events
for Steven Forte
Funeral services provided by:
Gregory-Martin Funeral Home LLC - Steubenville711 South Street, Steubenville, OH 43952