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STEPHEN STELZER Obituary

STELZER--Stephen. Stephen Stelzer passed away on January 22, 2025 in Manhattan at 80 years of age. He died of lung disease from smoking. Following childhood on the Upper West Side and in Roslyn, Steve spent the next six decades criss-crossing the East Village. As a social worker, primarily serving the homeless mentally ill, he used his real life experience to support others in their climb back out of the darkness. He inspired hundreds in the 12-step recovery community with his blunt honesty, humor and realness. He was an avid reader, bibliophile, cinephile, and follower of current events. Steve will be remembered and greatly missed by his extensive family, and many friends and admirers.

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Published by New York Times on Feb. 2, 2025.

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2 Entries

Peter Beitchman

February 2, 2025

I was the Deputy Director and then CEO of The Bridge, the non-profit for people with serious mental illness, many of whom homeless. Steve's work at The Bridge was extraordinary - both his group work and one-on-one. He made wonderful, therapeutic connections with Bridge clients, using skill, humor and the deep well of his own life experience. Hundreds of clients at The Bridge benefited from their relationship with Steve. He was more than a talented social worker, his humanity always came through in the best way. Condolences to family and all closets to him.

J&J Mortier

February 2, 2025

There are a lot of people in Michigan that met Steve through Francie and who have spent many years loving him for his intellect, humor and his humanity. That love will never end.

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