Stephen J. Magnus

In Loving Memory of Stephen J. Magnus
Stephen J. Magnus, a cherished longtime resident of Berkeley Heights and North Bergen, New Jersey, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 80. He was surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on April 25, 1945, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Stephen and Anna Magnus, Steve spent his formative years in North Bergen. He began his high school education at St. Peter's Prep before transferring to North Bergen High School when it first opened in 1961, making him part of the school's inaugural classes. During those years, Steve played football and developed enduring friendships that lasted throughout his life.
Steve attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. While furthering his education, he embarked on his professional career, working for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He spent most of his Port Authority career managing operations for the World Trade Center in New York City.
Steve was passionate about watching sports and enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends. He especially treasured annual vacations in Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he created cherished memories with loved ones. Steve was renowned for his wit, quick retorts, and remarkable storytelling abilities, making him the life of every gathering. Whether at parties, dinners, family events, or on vacation, he was always ready with a punchline to bring joy and laughter to those around him.
Steve's sense of humor and outgoing personality won the heart of his beloved wife, Kathleen "Kate" Lillis Magnus. Through their marriage, Steve's family grew to include Kate's siblings, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. He was deeply loved by his two daughters, Alyson and Kelly, as well as his sisters Anne, Karen, and Joan. Fondly known as "Grandpa Chocolate," Steve treasured every moment with his grandchildren, Theresa and John Purcaro, and delighted in sharing his love and laughter with them.
Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Kate Lillis Magnus; his daughters Alyson Magnus Valentin and Kelly Magnus Purcaro; his sons-in-law, Manuel Valentin and John Anthony Purcaro Jr.; his beloved grandchildren, Theresa Anne Purcaro and John Anthony Purcaro III; his sister, Anne Magnus (William Mitchell), brother-in-law George Burkle; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. He was predeceased by his sisters, Joan Burkle and Karen Magnus Fischbach, and his brother-in-law, Peter Fischbach.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Center for Hope, Hospice & Palliative Care in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
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