Stephen Thurber

Bernardsville – Stephen Gregory Thurber, 76, passed away on October 23, 2025, at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Born in Newark to the late Terence and Eileen M. (Wheelwright) Thurber, Steve lived in Irvington and at the age of ten, moved to Clark where he resided until graduating college. A longtime resident of towns in Somerset County, he settled in Bernardsville in 1997.
Steve was a graduate of Kean University, and after a thirty-six-year career with the Internal Revenue Service, holding several positions at different offices in NJ, he retired in 2007. Over the course of his career Steve earned respect from many of his colleagues as a source of knowledge and expertise.
He also served as trustee of Chapter 60 of the National Treasury Employees Union.
Steve enjoyed golf and played in many outings with colleagues that raised money for charitable causes. Steve loved all sports and whenever asked, he could tell you the names of the players and the stats of the teams, whether it was professional, high school or college sports. From childhood, Steve had a love for reading and enjoyed books of all genres, as well as all types of music. But what he enjoyed most in life was making other people happy.
Steve was intelligent, generous, and kindhearted, especially to those he loved and cared for. Steve will truly be missed by all those he came in touch with throughout his life.
Steve will be missed by his companion of many years, Marilyn Kelsey of Morganville, her children Christine, Patrick (Jen) and Andrew (Joanne) and four grandchildren: siblings, Terance (Debbie)Thurber of Egg Harbor and Louise (Frank) D'Ariano of Shamong and by his nieces and nephews, Lauren, Justin, Megan, Lynnae and Chelsea.
Visitation will be held on November 22, 2025 at the mausoleum of Marlboro Cemetery, 361 State Route 79, Morganville, NJ 07751 from 10:00 to 11:00am.
Private memorial services will begin at 11:30 followed by entombment.
The family is requesting that no flowers be sent to the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in Steve's name to :
Coalition of the Homeless (coalitionofthehomeless.org) American Lung Association (action.lung.org)
To send condolences to the family, please visit www.WaittFH.com.