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Steven Smason Obituary
Born May 5, 1932 Chicago, IL. Died Sept. 1, 2002. Beloved husband of Jacquelyn; loving father of Rabbi Ze'ev (Chani), Gail (Steven Andler), Tami, and David. Devoted grandfather of 10 and brother of Edmund (Ethel) and Muriel (Sidney) Shapiro. Funeral Sept. 3, 2002 Eden Memorial Park, Graveside 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Rabbi's Charity Fund, Nusach Hari, 8630 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63132.
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Memories and Condolences
for Steven Smason
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Tami Smason
September 5, 2002
It wasn’t just the Chicago Bears who lost their greatest fan September 1, 2002. Scores of friends and family mourned the death of Steve Smason, 70, of Encino, California who died of complications from lung disease. Son of William and Cecilia Smason, the devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and teacher was born in Chicago Illinois May 5, 1932 and moved to California in 1969. A Senn “Bulldog” (1950) and a Raven (Sir Erratic) to the end, he was known for his pranks, his warmth, his sweet and silly humor, his generosity, his compassion for the underdog, his loyalty and his undying devotion to his family and friends. Steve was an avid reader, lover of poetry, history buff and sports fan, especially of his beloved Bears, Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks, and later, the Lakers (and eventually the Dodgers when they got Shawn Green). His silly stories delighted his children, and later his grandchildren, who always clamored for “one more story, Papa.” Steve made every person feel as though they were the most important person in his life, as he loved them unconditionally, “warts and all.” Upon his death, friend after friend recounted to Steve’s family how they lost their best friend. Steve exhibited his same gentle humor, compassion, and warmth in his work with developmentally disabled adults at TASC, who recall him as a best friend, “Grandpa” and the man who made them laugh. He was also devoted to the cause of religious freedom for Jews everywhere, and was a leader in the struggle to free Soviet Jews.
Steve leaves behind the love of his life, his best friend, and the center of his universe -- Jackie, his wife of 48 years. Their deep love and playful humor were an inspiration to all. He also leaves behind his beloved children, Rabbi Ze’ev Smason and his wife Chani; daughter Gail and her husband Steven Andler; daughter Tami; son David; ten grandchildren, who were an unending source of joy; his cherished sister and brother-in-law Cissy and Sid Shapiro; his loving brother and sister-in-law Ed and Ethel Pevsner Smason; and the wonderful nephews and nieces whom he loved like his own children and who showed him so much devotion during his life. Steve Smason will be remembered as a generous man whose love of his family and friends knew no bounds. He touched the lives of so many people in his work and in his personal life. For the last page in his book, he’s having a long roll at the craps table in the sky. May he rest in peace.
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