Stephen Guzman

1955 - 2023

Stephen Guzman

November 23, 1955 - August 27, 2023

Rocklin, California - Stephen "Steve" Guzman was a builder. A creator. A visionary. His hands told the stories of a lifetime wise beyond his years, holding inexplicable hidden talents of coaxing beauty from ashes. He always saw the potential in the raw and unfinished, and his hands knew how to turn it all into polished masterpieces. He always saw his family as his greatest masterpiece, his lifelong passion project built upon a strong foundation nurtured with love and care.

Living in rural areas, first Gustine, then Merced, CA, Steve lived an adventurous, mischievous childhood with his 11 siblings. Together, they loved to build toys, invent games, and play sports. He used his 6'2" height to his advantage on the basketball court, and in high school, found a hidden talent in woodworking. He learned skills that turned into hobbies, that turned into entrepreneurial business ventures, and he continued building, varnishing, staining, and painting throughout his life. With his love of making something old like new again, he began his career at the Kelly-Moore paint store, eventually working his way up to manager.

Steve married Angie (Rivas) in 1978, and together, they grew their family, with the birth of their daughter (Danielle) and their son (Nicholas). Working on the Rivas family ranch was a large part of their early years and Steve and Angie emphasized the importance of family time and instilled values of hard work and treating others the way you want to be treated. Summers were Steve's favorite times, he loved meticulously landscaping their large yard, listening to music, buying a huge assortment of lawn toys for their children, friends, and large extended family. What he couldn't find in the stores, he made himself, drawing upon his childhood creativity and woodworking skills. Holidays were also cherished times with family, as he was known for creating elaborate displays, ranging from haunted houses, hayrides, and a plethora of holiday decor inside and out. But truly, anytime was a good time for a party with Steve, and he made fun memories hosting his brothers for football tailgates in his man cave.

When his children were school age, he moved his career to Merced City Schools. He worked through the ranks, ultimately finishing his career as the lead maintenance technician after 27 years of service. His careful attention to detail and can-do attitude helped keep 19 schools running smoothly. Education was a priority for Steve and Angie, and their children knew it. Their daughter went on to complete her doctorate and their son completed his bachelors' degree, and Steve attended every graduation celebration, beaming in the audience.

Steve was known by everyone and was seen everywhere. Together, Steve and Angie were constant fixtures at their daughters' various musical and academic endeavors, and Steve even held the honor of escorting his daughter, a two-time local titleholder at the Miss California pageant, part of the Miss America Organization. Steve and Angie were also supportive of their son's sports. Steve coached little league and basketball, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and fairness as part of the young athletes' skill set, lifelong lessons that still serve many of the grown athletes today. Together, Steve and Angie opened their family home to Nicholas' friends and basketball teammates, offering safe family-fun in a place to hang out, do homework, and eat endless snacks before driving them to and from their practices and games over their formative years. Steve and Nick continued their love of the sport, attending the Sacramento Kings games and cheering on their favorite team. And when his daughter married, Steve supported his son-in-law's endeavors, especially his BBQ competitions, often volunteering as the family steak and rib taste-tester for any of his practice competition trials.

As involved as Steve was with his family, his world began anew when his grandchildren, Andrew and Evelyn, were born. They had an inexplicable bond and were truly best friends. Steve doted on them, and could often be found wheeling first Andrew, and then Evelyn, in countless meandering paths as they sat in their red wagon. Even after Steve and Angie moved from Merced to be closer to their children and grandchildren, Steve only invited the grandchildren into his prized man cave, where the three of them would watch cartoons and play with their games and toys to their heart's content.

Steve spent his lifetime giving to others, and his final years were no different. He created countless memories with his family, crafting a life built on a strong foundation full of love and laughter that strengthen and ground them to this day.

Steve passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Angie, son Nicholas, daughter Danielle, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren, Andrew and Evelyn, his siblings Daniel (Jennifer), Sal Jr. (Natalie), Michael (Sylvia), Robert ("Bobby", Robin), Virginia (James), Mary Anne (Ritchie), Johnny (Lillian), sister-in-law Maria, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Salvador and Carmen Guzman, and his brothers, Salvador I, David, Joseph, and Richard.

A celebration of life will be held at Ravello's in Merced on September 30 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at https://givenow.lls.org/ in memory of Stephen Guzman.