Dr. Steven Tuckerman

Dr. Steven Allen Tuckerman, born October 14, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, passed away on December 19, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, integrity, and deep devotion to family. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend accomplished professional, and respected philanthropist, Steve lived a life of purpose and impact. He touched countless individuals through both his work and his generosity.

Steve began his collegiate studies at Tulane University before transferring to The Ohio State University, where he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Optometry. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Steve was an avid lover of all sports and proudly played baseball at The Ohio State, an experience that shaped his competitive spirit, discipline, and appreciation for teamwork that stayed with him throughout his life.

Steve became an esteemed optometrist and visionary businessman. He built a national chain of approximately 70 optical stores, and served with distinction as a two-term Chair of the Governor appointed Ohio State Board of Optometry. Among his most meaningful professional achievements was his role as the Founder of the School of Optometry at Tel Aviv University, a lasting contribution to global optometric education and healthcare. Steve earned widespread respect for advancing the profession.

Steve later embarked on a second successful career, channeling his entrepreneurship into becoming a premier builder of luxury homes, contributing to the thoughtful development of New Albany, which he also called his home. Known for thoughtful craftsmanship and design, his work reflected the same attention to detail that defined his career as an optometrist.

Throughout his life, Steve remained deeply committed to philanthropy and community service-values he shared wholeheartedly with his beloved wife, Judy Tuckerman, who preceded him in death. Together, they were dedicated supporters of healthcare and research initiatives, most notably those at the James Cancer Hospital, where both he and Judy co-chaired the James Cancer Hospital Celebration of Life Annual Fundraiser for twenty years. They also helped establish the Tuckerman Family Breast Cancer Research Endowment, creating a lasting legacy of hope for a cancer-free world.

Despite a life rich with professional achievement, Steve often said his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a devoted father to Brian (Audrey) Tuckerman, Craig (Connie), and Elise (Joe Rezabek), and a proud grandfather to Jake, Sam, Madeline, Georgia, Arie, Charlie, Sarah, Lauren, and Jackson. His love for his nine grandchildren was unmistakable-marked by constant presence, genuine interest, and unwavering support. They were the center of his world, and he loved them unconditionally. Steve is also survived by his brother, Tom, and his sister, Barbi, with whom he shared a meaningful childhood. And notably, Steve maintained deep friendships from his childhood through the end of his life. He loved all his friends dearly.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Tuckerman, and his parents, Sanford and Esther Tuckerman. Steve will be remembered for his leadership, humor, and steadfast character. He led his life with a generous heart.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Temple Israel, 3100 E. Broad St. with the burial following at Forest Lawn cemetery. Shiva will be observed Sunday afternoon at Steve Tuckerman's residence from 4-7 with Kaddish at 5 PM. Additional visitation will be held on Monday, December 22nd from 4-7 at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Steve's memory be made to The James Fund for Life (310921) at The OSU James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Gifts may be made online through the link below or by mail at OSU Foundation, P.O. Box 736096, Chicago, IL, 60673-6096.

We invite you to share your memories of Steve and upload photos to the memorial page. It's a space for everyone whose lives were touched by Steve to celebrate his life, cherish his memory, and honor his remarkable spirit. He will be remembered for his courage, love, dedication, and thoughtfulness, qualities that made him the extraordinary man he was. Although Steve may have left us in body, his spirit remains alive in the hearts of those he loved and those he served.