Steve Cramblitt

1948 - 2023 / In Loving Memory

John Steven Cramblitt Jr. (74) passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2023 with his family lovingly by his side.

Born on August 24th, 1948 to Mildred Anna and John Stephen Cramblitt Sr., Steve lived his younger life in Parkville, MD with his two siblings Bob and Suzette, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends nearby.

Steve became a baseball fan early on in life. He claims his love for the game started at six years old when the Orioles moved to Baltimore. He grew up watching the Orioles with his Dad and often confused Camden Yards with heaven.

Steve played baseball at Frostburg State University while earning a B.S. in Physical Education and M. Ed. in Physical Education and Health. He began his coaching career while earning his Master's degree; acting as assistant coach to the formidable Bob Wells.

The day he graduated with his Master's degree, Steve was drafted into the Vietnam War. He served as a member of the Army from 1972 - 1974. After being honorably discharged, he taught at a private, Catholic, military all boys school in Maryland.

Steve moved to Utah 1976 where he coached high school baseball from 1981 to 2010 and became the only coach in state history to win state baseball titles in the 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A classifications. During his time as a head coach, he won a total of 437 games, seventeen region titles and nine state titles; including seven at Taylorsville High School and two at Juan Diego High School. His success earned him induction into the Utah Sports Foundation Hall of Fame and the National High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Even more impressive than Steve's coaching career is the men he molded. Every player on his roster was shaped by the life lessons he imparted. His coaching philosophy focused on building winning ball players who acted with integrity and respect on and off the field.

Steve retired from coaching in 2010 and filled his time with bread making and coaching pitchers at Riverton High School. In 2017, he moved to Mesquite, NV where he mentored the San Juan baseball team and organized tournaments at the Rising Star Sports Ranch.

He moved to South Carolina in Fall 2020 after traveling across the country in an RV with his wife Margo. He settled into full beach mode of golfing, driving his Miata and watching birds in his yard.

Steve will be remembered for his faith, integrity, compassion, courage and humility. He has left a baseball field shaped hole in the heart of many.

Steve is survived by his wife, Margo; children Natalie and Brooke; his father, John; his siblings, Bob and Suzette; the mother of his children, Susan; and many loving friends and players.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 2pm on August 5th, 2023 at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper, UT. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Steve's honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/SteveCramblitt

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jul. 7 to Jul. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cramblitt

12 Entries

Jess Wright

August 23, 2023

Sad sad news I Did not know that Coach passed away tell now and two many stories of what a great Coach Cramblit was and a person

But I will say Coach Cramblit thought me to also like my Parents Did when I say I am going to do something to do the job and finish it to the end

And my prayers are going to the whole Cramblit family to have peace knowing that Coach Cramblit is in a great place free of any pain

Kent Overly

August 5, 2023

To have known Steve, was to know one of the finest gentlemen you would ever know. He was a leader of boys and a maker of men. His legacy of ballplayers will long outlive him as a stellar example of how to mentor and shape good men. He will be missed

Mike and Renae Starr

July 15, 2023

Our hearts go out to the Family. Steve was a great neighbor and Mentor. It was good to be able to catch up with him later in Life and have some good times. Rest in Peace our Brother.
Love Renae and Mike

Barb Chettle

July 12, 2023

Our thoughts are with you Natalie. Love, Barb and Bear

Mike

July 12, 2023

May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.

Lori Rupp

July 11, 2023

So sorry for Steve´s family he was a legend as a coach. I worked with Sue for many years and got to know him then. Rest in peace

SHAWN LUND

July 10, 2023

I had the pleasure to play for Coach Cramblitt at Taylorsville (82/83/84). He was a great mentor and leader. Even many years later when I would see him he always asked how my family and I were. The world has lost a great soul. And heaven has gained a very special angle.

Wendy Fenn

July 10, 2023

I worked for Steve while at Taylorsville High. He was such a great guy to work for. We had a tiny office close to the baseball field. Those years always hold smiles in my heart when I think of baseball and driver's ed. Such good times at Taylorsville. Heaven gained an awesome soul! God bless Steve's family during this difficult time.
Wendy Fenn

Rob Wager

July 10, 2023

so very sad for stevens family lost a great dad and friend he was always smiling and fun to be around our hearts go out to you all exspecialy to our sweet nat and handsome roger we are here for you love mom and rob and grandma Bowden xoxo

Jake Sandoval

July 10, 2023

"Get On the Boll!!"
Coach Cramblitt was an awesome guy, coach, and loved and supported all of his players!
I only had him for one year, ('79) but he showed a new player on the team a lot of love and respect.
Condolences to The Cramblitt family and all the student and players he so proudly taught and coached!

Lana Gray

July 9, 2023

There are so many memories I can´t name them all I worked with him for years as little league president. He took great pride in helping our little league coaches, develop players through the years. A bright star has been lifted to heaven. You will be missed dearly. Your legacy will carry on forever in all the players hearts and parents you´ve touched. Get building that baseball diamond in heaven

Nicole Svee (Welch)

July 7, 2023

Steve was an amazing man! I looked up to him as a young teacher At Taylorsville High. When I was a new coach, he left me an encouraging note. It meant so much!! I also enjoyed Bunco with Susan. I hope heaven is a field of dreams.

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