Sept. 4, 1951 ~ June 18, 2014
After a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Dr. Stephen W. Zsiray Jr., 62, passed away on June 18, 2014, at his home in Logan, Utah.
He was born in Glen Ridge, N.J., on Sept. 4, 1951, to Stephen and Marie Zsiray. From his childhood home on Woodland Place in Pompton Plains, N.J., he ventured out exploring, gaining his love for the outdoors and fishing by "The River".
Steve attended Belknap College in Centre Harbor, N.H. earning a BS in Meteorology. After moving to Utah, he attended Utah State earning a masters degree in Soils and Biometeorology and then a doctorate in Instructional Technology. With a public education career spanning nearly 30 years, Steve worked primarily within the Cache County School District. After retiring from the Cache District, he founded InTech Collegiate High School and welcomed the first group of students in 2006.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Paula; son John (Jessica) and daughter Jennifer of Logan; sister Patricia (Dennis) Quinn of Hamburg, N.J.; nephews Sean (Cory Davis) Quinn, New York City and Father Brian Quinn, McAfee, N.J. Grandchildren Aspen and Aidan will miss their cherished "Pop Pop". He always smiled as they climbed all over him giving high-fives and knuckle bumps while playing with the controls to his lift chair. Steve was preceded in death by both parents.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund to help provide educational opportunities for students of all ages has been established at the Logan-Cache-Rich Credit Union. For more information, call (435) 563-6882.
Our family wishes to thank the friends who stuck close and selflessly helped with all the challenges. Steve was graciously cared for by "Anna the Nurse" and others from Intermountain Home Health & Hospice, along with caregivers from Beehive Home and Cache Valley Assisted Living.
At Steve's request, his ashes will be spread at his favorite fishin' holes on the East Coast and places in the West.
A celebration of life will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Logan, Utah, on Friday, June 27, at 11 a.m.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Jun. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Zsiray

17 Entries

Mindy Toney

July 4, 2014

To Steve....he shone a light......

Stephanie, Bryan, and Mark Kawamura

June 25, 2014

Dear Zsiray Family,

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to your family in this difficult time. We will always remember the kind way Steve treated my young sons when they visited during the early days of InTech. My sons always knew who would give them candy when their mom was too busy. The world has lost a kind man.

Our prayers are with you during this painful time.

Abby Moser

June 24, 2014

Several of my children benefited from the extraordinary vision Steve had when he created Intech Collegiate High School. We so appreciated all he did for the students, especially in that opening year. Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

June 24, 2014

Dear Paula, Jennifer and John,

I learned yesterday that your sweet Steve passed away. I will always remember him as a wonderful teacher at Spring Creek. He was sincerely dedicated to his students and later, so diligently, strove to bring grant money to Cache County School District.

His humor reached out of his classroom doors and touched everyone. I enjoyed his chuckle and playful smile. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts are with you.

Your friend always,
Mary Bedingfieldsmith

Laura Speth

June 23, 2014

Paula & Jenn, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and dad. My heart breaks for you. He was always so funny and kind whenever I came over to hang out at your home during our good old high school days. Sending my deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers to you all.

Theresa Burch

June 23, 2014

I always liked Steve. He was fun, and frank, and full of life. He was a loyal friend and he cared deeply for those around him. He saw the best in people, and helped them to believe in themselves too. He was generous, and compassionate, and kind-hearted, and humble.

I have fond memories of Steve wiping tables after school lunch, and picking up trash on the schoolyard, and patching a hole in the wall so that a wayward student would not have to pay for the accidental damage. He was always looking for ways to help others and giving people second chances.

I remember his sense of humor and his good-natured chuckle. I think he really enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest with those who mattered most to him. He left behind a legacy of goodness. The world will miss Steve Zsiray.

PS- I like this version of his obituary best. :)

Theresa Burch

June 23, 2014

JaDean Frehner

June 23, 2014

Steve Zsiray had a gift for seeing someone's potential and then providing a means to reach it. He made a difference for so many, myself included. InTech Collegiate High school is just now reaching the potential Steve knew was there. This spirit of potential is what makes InTech such a wonderful place, and that spirit is Steve Zsiray's legacy. Wishing you all peace.

Katie Jensen

June 23, 2014

Dear Paula and family, I am sending my deepest condolences to you. When I heard of Steve's passing, I started thinking about the educational legacy that Steve has lovingly left with us all. I met Steve over 15 years ago as I (and Ronda Kingsford) founded the English Language Center of Cache Valley. Steve was hugely instrumental in helping us secure funding for our fledgling program. Since then, we have taught English and basic life skills to thousands of immigrant students. Steve mentored us and was always there when we needed him. We were so proud of the excellent work that he did at Intech. I miss him. I lost my darling husband a few years ago to cancer and so I know a bit about what you are going through. Thank you for taking such good care of him. You have both given so much to our community. Most sincerely, Katie Jensen

Joe and Josie Lynn Belmont

June 23, 2014

Paula, John and Jennifer,
Words cannot describe the sadness we had upon learning of Steve's passing. 40 years of friendship leaves many wonderful memories; my visit to Utah, our time with you at the cottage in Biddeford, and 3 Red Sox World Series Championships. Your wonderful memories of Steve will get you through the toughest of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marina Parsegova

June 22, 2014

Dear Paula,
My life was changed that pivotal day in July 1993, when I met Steve. I've only been in this country for less than a year at that time, my family just moved to Utah, and finding a job for a Russian-speaking educator in Cache Valley was not an easy task. He was the first one to believe in me, to offer me a professional job and great opportunities in public education. What's even more important, we became very good friends. Yuriy and I, both of our kids were extremely saddened by the news of Steve's passing. We will miss him forever.

June 22, 2014

Dear Paula, John & Jennifer,
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies on Steve's passing. We were, and continue to be, saddened at your loss. Our first memories of meeting the Zsiray Family was at church when we were new to the west. It must have been fate that you introduced yourselves to us as we were missing our beloved Red Sox. We were so happy to have found kindred spirits to our "boys". We have been friends since and have thought of you often since we have moved back east. Our prayers to you all. May God carry you and surround you in His grace and loving care. God bless...Love The Gores (Alan, Lisa & Michael)

Gordon & Teryl Bodily

June 22, 2014

Dear Paula, Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. We are deeply saddened, but understand that Heavenly Father is at the helm. We very much enjoyed our time together at Utah State and in the Cache School District. We were particularly delighted to have bumped into you on our way to Alaska. We know that God will watch over you in the days to come.

Anna & Peter Intili

June 22, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

June 22, 2014

Bubba...

Larry Larson

June 22, 2014

Paula,
We were saddened to read of Stephen's passing. My years of association with him were always positive. I worked with him when he was the media director at NC, all the way to working with him when he was as the District Office and I was the Principal at NC. He was always so supportive and easy to work with. He was a good friend.
Larry and Arlene Larson, London England

Spencer and Amy Johnson

June 21, 2014

Our family appreciated all that Steve Zsiray did to open InTech Collegiate High School. Truly amazing! Two of our children have already graduated from InTech and one is attending right now. His vision to excel in academics and preparation for college are far reaching. We send our deepest sympathy to your family.

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