Stephen Karl Yovanov

Stephen Karl Yovanov, known to all simply as Uncle Steve, Stephen, or Ding possessed a spirit as vibrant as the city of Baltimore where he was born on August 23, 1941. On August 26, 2025, at the age of 84, Stephen's final curtain call came in Berlin, MD, wrapping up an extraordinary lifetime show that left us all with smiles and cherished memories.

Stephen's early years were spent under the watchful eyes of his late parents, Stephen and Margaret Yovanov. His was a life that would be defined by love, laughter, and a dedication to his wife Audrey and a knack for turning the mundane into the magnificent. His family tree flourished with love, bearing fruit in the form of his children Bob, married to the ever-patient Cindy; Brian, who scored a home run in life with Nicole; and Rebecca, who found her perfect match in Brendan Sharkey. His legacy continued to grow with his grandchildren Bryan, Kaitlyn (who teamed up with Ryan), Olivia, Maura, Samantha, and Brayden, as well as two scene-stealing great-grandchildren, Beckett and Emerson Sharkey. Also leaving to cherish his memory are his baby sister Carol Rider and her husband Ron.

Stephen's life script opened with a prideful and very skilled tenure with his beloved drum and bugle corps. Shortly thereafter he began a distinguished chapter in the US Army National Guard, serving his country with the same dedication he brought to every endeavor. He then powered up his entrepreneurial spirit to own an Electrical Service Business, illuminating the lives of others both literally and figuratively.

A man of many interests, Stephen was an ardent fan of the Baltimore Orioles and held an even deeper passion for the Colts, up until he was "forced" to convert to the Baltimore Ravens. His younger days were filled with adventures in camping, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing, activities that reflected his adventurous soul. Later, he cherished traveling with his wife Audrey, making each destination a backdrop for their love story.

Stephen's favorite topic of conversation, music, resonated with the rhythm of his life. He was as analytical as he was loving, often quoting Tom Petty, AC/DC, Bob Dylan and even bangin' out some tunes on his drum kit.

To say Stephen was a character would be an understatement. He tackled life's challenges with the timing of a seasoned comedian, turning obstacles into punchlines and hardships into anecdotes. His infectious laughter and adventurous spirit were the hallmarks of a life well-lived, a script well-written, and a performance that would have left even the toughest critics standing in applause.

As the final spotlight dims, Stephen's show will go on in the stories retold and the memories replayed by those who loved him. While the stage of life may have lost one of its most charismatic players, the echoes of Stephen Karl Yovanov's laughter will forever be the encore that keeps us coming back for more.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Barrett's Chapel, 6486 Bay Rd, Frederica, DE 19946.

In lieu of flowers, Steve would greatly appreciate your donation to the Appalachian Mountain Club to build and maintain trails, protect public land, support clean air and water, and promote the enjoyment and value of the outdoors.