Robert Steven "Steve" Darcangelo

In Loving Memory of Robert Steven (Steve) Darcangelo

When Robert Steven (Steve) Darcangelo left our world on August 26th, 2025, the world grew dimmer, but the glow of his love remains in the hearts of all he knew. Born at Tucson Medical Center on August 11th, 1966, to parents Robert (Bob) James Anthony Darcangelo and Ginger Rodgers, Steve grew up on various U.S. Air Force bases across the country with his older sister, Hollee, and younger brother, John. he enjoyed working and Ginger remembers how he started as a paper delivery boy for Grit newspaper at the age of 8. Inspired by all things aviation, Steve joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Catalina High School (AZ). In the U.S. Air Force, Steve was a Sergeant and Aircraft Armament System Mechanic and later shifted to the National Guard. Soon after, he would gain another sister, Annie, 20 years his junior, who he would help raise. Steve would shift from military service to managerial roles in the restaurant industry and computer software industry. First and foremost, and forever, Steve was known for his endless love for family.

On November 5th, 1994, Steve would welcome his beautiful daughter, Brittany, who he called "Brit," who was, by any measure, the light of his life. Throughout their years together, they would go on many adventures - road trips across the country, many a rock concert (usually Rush), and they would make many memories at Disneyland over the years. In 2006 and 2010, respectively, Steve would become a loving uncle to his niece, Cora, and nephew, Christian, who remember Steve as a very engaged and funny uncle looking to make them smile and feel supported by attending school events and helping make holidays and vacations extra special.

A unique soul, Steve would identify planes from their sound alone. Moreover, he enjoyed building model planes of all sorts and would also build computers to then play flight simulators. He was famous for his cooking, especially his signature tomato sauce and meatballs and his cheese enchiladas. When the desert monsoon season arrived each year, Steve looked forward to going outside to watch the lightening and listen to the thunder. Throughout his life, he would adopt and care for many dogs, including: Tyson, Marshie, and Stripes. He would also make sure to continually read up on history while tracking all the latest in technology advancements and scientific discoveries. He loved the exhilaration of the road, the hum of the engine, and the joy of moving through the world at full speed.

In 2020, Steve would meet Joanne and they would have their first date hiking Sabino Canyon. In 2021, Steve would propose to Joanne in front of the "winking pumpkin" at Disneyland. On July 20th, 2022, Steve and Joanne tied the knot at Disneyland, surrounded by family and all their kids. Their wedding motto was to take each other down "the road that rocks." As they blended families, Steve would welcome nine more children into his life: Jodine, Shawndra, Anaka, Kailla, Molly, Shanel, Trevor, Aaron, and Emilyn.

Steve is remembered for his generous heart, great laugh, and his ability to adapt. One favorite Steve-ism was "Semper Gumby," referring to the malleable cartoon character. It was his way to advise the need to always be flexible no matter the challenges or curve balls one encounters in life. Steve was a renaissance man in his interests and abilities, from his military years to his years in computer software management and then owning the Dakota restaurant and being General Manager of 22 Sunflowers Gourmet Food and Catering in Tucson, he didn't shy away from trying something new or taking a leap into the unknown.

Steve was an avid fan of Shakespeare. Borrowing a quote from Prospero in The Tempest, "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep." Steve filled that dream with generosity, laughter, and love. Those who knew and love Steve will carry that dream forward.

Steve is survived by his daughter: Brittany Elizabeth Darcangelo Lobo-Lam (Hyrum Lobo-Lam), his wife: Joanne Darcangelo, his mother: Ginger Rodgers, his father: Bob Darcangelo, his siblings: Hollee Ganner (Dwayne Ganner), John Darcangelo (Sonja Darcangelo), and Annie Rappeport (Jordan Marshall), his nieces: Cora Isabella Darcangelo, Amelia Ginger Ruth Marshall, and Zelda Gabriella Rappeport Marshall, his nephew: Christian Ryan Darcangelo, and his stepchildren: Jodine, Shawndra, Anaka, Kailla, Molly, Shanel, Trevor, Aaron, and Emilyn.