Steven Furman Cuspard

1948 - 2024

Steven Furman Cuspard

May 1, 1948 - August 28, 2024

Federal Way, Wash. - Steven F. Cuspard, age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Federal Way, Wash., surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Carlisle, Pa. on May 1, 1948, to Conrad P. Cuspard and Marion D. Cuspard, who predeceased him. He was a devoted partner for 30-plus years with Nina L Martin, who also preceded him in death.

Steve graduated as the first valedictorian from Trinity High School. He went on to earn a BS degree from Notre Dame. University and a Master's degree from Princeton University, with both degrees in the field of Aerospace Engineering.

After graduating with honors, Steve was employed by The Boeing Company, working in the Defense and Space divisions for more than three decades. In the 1980s, he and his team were instrumental in developing an autonomous vehicle system that is still in operation today in Morgantown, W.Va. He was awarded a patent in 2016 for determining landing sites for aircraft. His brilliance was notable in every aspect of his work life. Steve retired from Boeing while living in the Pacific Northwest, an area that he loved.

In his youth, Stevie showed a proclivity for constructing and firing model rockets. This love of spacecraft stayed with him throughout his life. He was creative in building and repairing a variety of mechanical things. He was a great problem solver.

As an avid motorcyclist, Steve was an admirer of his Harley Davidson motorcycles and completed a cross-country road trip, where he met many friendly and kind people. Steve enjoyed a variety of cuisines, domestic and international travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Steve was a friend of Bill W. since May 29, 1979. He volunteered throughout Washington state sponsoring, supporting, and mentoring countless people. Possessing an innate ability to reach people on a personal level, Steve's wisdom, smile, and kindness eased pain and lent support to an untold number of people in need. Steve's personality, wit, laugh, and loving nature will be deeply missed. He left an indelible impression on those lucky enough to know him.

Steve is survived by his children, Patric J. "PJ" Cuspard, Philip I Cuspard, and Victoria Cuspard-Atkinson, born of the marriage to Donna Borden and Kristen Jordan Reeves and Michael Keen, his blended family with Nina Martin. Steve is survived by his grandchildren, Patric Cuspard II, Lester Hill, Marquis Boatman, Joshua Hill, Areán Cuspard, Jasmin Cuspard, Wyatt Jordan, Nash Jordan, Lucy Keen, Ja'el Cuspard, and his great-grandchild, Rylan Hill. Also included in Steve's survivors are his beloved sisters, Christine "Chris" Cuspard White and Kathleen "Kathy" Cuspard White; nephews, Brian C. White and Aaron J. White; and niece, Alexis B. Austin; his aunt, Florence Cuspard-Lott; and Howard Kellogg, his dear friend who was like a brother to him.

A Catholic Mass will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. EDT, in Carlisle, Pa., at St Patrick Shrine Church, 152 E Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA. The YouTube link for live streaming the Funeral Mass is the following: https://www.youtube.com/live/We7Rir-pbvU?si=p2B6RahqPodKhu4C.

Steve will be laid to rest at Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, 1921 Ritner Highway, Carlisle, PA immediately following mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to the American Cancer Society and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home, PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936, who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.