Obituary published on Legacy.com by Vander Plaat Funeral Home - Wyckoff on Jun. 3, 2024.
Steven Liss, a man whose zest for life was as boundless as his heart was generous, passed
away on June 1, 2024, at the age of 61. Born on July 10, 1962, in
Paterson, NJ, Steve was the
beloved son of Norma Lopez-Vasquez, Mark Liss and the cherished older brother of Kenny Liss.
His journey through life was marked by an unyielding spirit and an unwavering commitment to
living every moment to its fullest.
Growing up in
Fair Lawn, NJ, Steve's path intertwined with that of his beloved wife, Janine Liss,
with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they raised two
remarkable sons, Michael and Matthew Liss. Michael and his wife Jessica, along with their
grandson Stevie, brought immeasurable joy to Steve's life. Matthew and his wife Christine
completed Steve's family circle, bringing love and warmth to every gathering.
Steve dedicated over three decades of his life to a fulfilling career with the NYC Local 1
Plumbers Union, where his hard work, dedication, and expertise left an indelible mark. His
commitment to his craft was matched only by his passion for life beyond the workplace.
A fixture in the Glen Rock Dog Park community, Steve's presence was synonymous with joy and
camaraderie. His affection for his canine companions, Luke and Maggie, was surpassed only by
the joy he found in sharing their company with others. Being one of the founding members of
the "Morning Crew," gave Steve immense joy on a daily basis, as he enjoyed his days of
retirement. Whether it was through his thoughtful gestures, like the creation of "Steve's Beach"
dog pool, or his infectious laughter that filled the air, Steve brought light and warmth to all who
had the pleasure of knowing him.
In addition to his love for dogs, Steve was an avid sports enthusiast. He held a special place in
his heart for the New York Giants and the New York Yankees, and he could often be found
passionately supporting his teams at games or from the comfort of his home. Steve was a loyal
member of the 5H Tailgate Crew, where he religiously tailgated on Sundays at all the NYG
games, creating cherished memories with his sons, friends and fellow fans.
Steve also had a passion for bowling, both for recreation and in competitive leagues, where he
reveled in the camaraderie of the lanes and cherished the friendships forged over strikes and
spares.
Beyond sports, one of his favorite annual traditions was his trip to Rose's Orchard in the fall with
his loving family every weekend, where he enjoyed the simple pleasures of nature and the
company of those he held dear.
Above all else, Steve will be remembered for his remarkable authenticity. He lived life on his
own terms, unapologetically embracing every facet of his being with a rare and admirable
courage. In a world often defined by conformity, Steve's unwavering commitment to being
himself stood as a beacon of strength and inspiration to all who crossed his path.
In the wise words of Abraham Lincoln, "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's
the life in your years." Though Steve's physical presence may be no more, his spirit lives on in
the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call him friend, family, or were simply fellow
travelers on this journey called life. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the vibrant
legacy he leaves behind-a legacy defined not by the years he lived, but by the boundless love,
laughter, and light he shared with the world.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife Janine, sons Michael and Matthew, grandson Stevie,
parents Norma Lopez-Vasquez, Mark Liss, Susan Coyne, Aunt Esther Liss-Turner, brother
Kenny and wife Stacy, and nieces Ruby and Zoey, along with a multitude of cherished family
and friends. Though he may be gone, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who
loved him. Rest in peace, dear Steve. You will be loved and missed dearly.
We invite you to join us in a celebration of Steve's life this Friday, June 7th from 7pm-11pm at
The Oakland Elk's Lodge at 33 Ramapo Valley Rd,
Oakland, NJ 07436. In lieu of flowers,
please make a donation to the Glen Rock NJ Dog Park in Steve's name via Venmo
@GlenRockNJDogPark or mail to: Glen Rock NJ Dog Park 233 Rock Road, Box 300, Glen
Rock, NJ 07452.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Steve Liss, please visit our floral store.