Stephen Anton Jacobs

Stephen Jacobs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, died peacefully on January 22, 2025, at 93. He was born in Chicago to Benjamin J. and Marjorie E. (Maack) Jacobs.
Steve attended Kelly High School and the University of Illinois in Chicago. He enlisted in the Air Force for four years and, for most of his military service, served as a cryptanalyst with the NSA in Washington, DC.
He then returned to Chicago and became the Direct Marketing Manager of Edward Don and Company, an international food service and supply company. He later started Omni Enterprises Marketing and Advertising, Inc., an agency that served clients in the Chicago area until 1996.
At that time, he and his beloved wife of 54 years, Marie (Garavaglia) Jacobs, loved the southwest and decided to semi-retire in Arizona. They lived in Fountain Hills for approximately 19 years. During this period Steve became involved in volunteering and mentoring at McDowell Mountain Elementary School where he worked primarily with second graders for 17 years. Steve was a "life-long learner", and he tried to instill the importance and excitement of reading, expanding one's vision, and making learning fun, even at an early age.
The Fountain Hills Rotary Club and the Fountain Hills Mentor Program presented him with the Marvin Glink Pillar of Strength Award for diligence, loyalty, and performance.
In addition to his various volunteer efforts, Steve also developed, designed, and distributed a newsletter, Insights, which he wrote and circulated for ten years, until age 90, when he decided to pursue additional interests.
In addition to his wife, Steve is also survived by his children: Gregory (Patricia), Suzanne Archer (the late William), Scott (Veronica), and grandchildren, Blake Archer (fiancé, Leah Knobel), Ryan (Hannah), and Carmen Mariana, many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
In 2015 Steve and Marie moved to McDowell Village in Scottsdale, a senior living community where they enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of the other residents and staff. Steve had a great sense of humor, a wonderful imagination, and enjoyed putting together costumes. Halloween was a favorite holiday, and friends consistently looked forward to seeing his disguises and creative creations.
Steve had an "open heart", a welcoming demeanor, and always had a kind word to say to everyone.
His ashes will be interred with full military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. The date for a Celebration of Life, to be held at McDowell Village, will be announced.
Steve's passing creates a void in our lives, but the memories of his kindness, compassion, and joy will continue to live on for all who loved him.