Steve Proctor

John Stephen Proctor, known as Steve, died on Aug. 19, 2024, at Valley Hospital in Paramus, N.J., at age 74.

Steve was a lover of nature, especially birds and trees. As an avid birder, he was encyclopedic in his knowledge of our feathered friends. He enjoyed countless hours walking in quiet environments and noticing flora and fauna that many others don't take the time to appreciate. He also relished oldies music, and enjoyed music trivia sessions with his brother, Bud.

Born in Plainfield, N.J., Steve grew up in Summit, where he attended the local public schools, graduating from Summit High School in 1968. His parents, Jane E. Proctor (nee Peniston) and John Daniel Proctor, hailed from Cranford, N.J. Steve attended Ithaca College, where he graduated second in his class, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. After college, he lived for many years in Ithaca N.Y., and Austin, Texas, before returning to New Jersey. His career included jobs at Twill Printing in Summit, Lermer Packing in Ontario, Calif., and editing a chain of local papers in Essex and Union counties.

He is survived by his siblings Cathy Kane (nee Proctor), Betsy Kohl (nee Proctor), and Bud Proctor, as well as nieces and nephews Molly Kane Coughlin, Jesse Kane, Abbe Kohl Gilmore, Alex Kohl, Sam Proctor and Woodrow Proctor, as well as his great nieces Penelope Coughlin and Lilah Gilmore and great nephews Everett Coughlin and Cole Gilmore.