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STEPHEN SANTORO Obituary

SANTORO, STEPHEN TODD August 11, 1967 to May 11, 2010 Stephen was born in Los Gatos, CA, the youngest of three children and passed away suddenly in his home in La Jolla, CA. He was single and had no children. Stephen was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder just two years ago; although he suffered for many years not knowing the cause was this mood disorder. He was always passionate about soccer. He was a big fan of the Real Salt Lake team in recent years. We are all certain that he was watching this year's World Cup from heaven and cheering for the USA. At Laguna Hills High School he excelled at debate. After high school, he attended Chapman University in Orange County, CA, Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, Westminster College and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. He graduated from the Utah School of Massage and as with everything he did, massage became a passion and he had many devoted clients. At the time of his death, he was working as a massage therapist at Massage Envy in La Jolla. In his late teens, he found that his new passion was for being a club DJ. He was self-taught and in turn taught many others his craft. He is known in the DJ world and to his many fans as "Bam Bam." He played in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ibiza and was a resident DJ for many years at "Bricks" in Salt Lake City. In 1997, he married the love of his life, Kristina Williams. They divorced after 10 years, but remained very close friends until he died. Stephen was part of a large, blended family. He is survived by his loving parents, Nancy and Carm Santoro of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, his sister, Terri Silva, his brother, Michael Hoyt, and his blended siblings, Suzan and Tom Baroni, Trich and Chuck Henderson and Steve and Laura Santoro, his nephew, Travis Hoyt, and his nieces, Michelle and Rebecca Standfast and Audrey and Victoria Henderson. Stephen also is survived by many very loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Memorial Service for Stephen will be held on Sunday, August 1st, at 3 p.m. at The Village Community Presbyterian Church at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the International Bipolar Foundation, P.O. Box 345, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 or made on the internet at: www.InternationalBipolarFoundation.org

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

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jul. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Chris

July 19, 2023

Miss you buddy

Patti Ryan

July 19, 2023

I think about Stephen often and know he and Ryan are watching over us.

Chris in SLC

July 19, 2022

brother, I hope you're resting in peace. Love you man.

Aimee

May 19, 2019

Stephen was a great friend of mine. Heart of gold and a gentle soul! You are missed dear friend!

Aimee

May 19, 2019

September 18, 2013

One of the nicest guys I've ever met....glad I had the privilege of playing the beautiful game with you, only remember you from my childhood and your kindness and generosity has had a life long impact, lucky to have known you Steve

-Jodie Robbins

Justin Mayhew

November 27, 2012

Sadly I have learned incredibly late of Stephens passing. Life became very busy, and I lost contact...
Bam was there for me back in the day when no one was. I cant understand why or how, but he saw something in me I didn't. His encouragement to step up to new levels, his awesome music, I'll never forget him. He changed my life for the better, when I needed it most. I miss you Bam, thinking of you...

Nancy & Carm Santoro

September 19, 2010

Son, since you left us, now just over 4 months ago, we have had so many wonderful messages, phone calls. and visits from your many many friends who loved you and miss you terribly. We are all praying you are at peace now and that there is no more pain. Every message and every visit gives us comfort knowing how many others loved you and miss you as we do. There are so many reminders from your actions, your presence and words, the food you loved and enjoyed so much. Four months seems like an eternity for those of us here on earth longing to feel one of your hugs and see one of your smiles and hear the words "I love you"!! We will always love you and miss you forever, Mom & Dad

Robert A & Dorothy Hoyt

August 11, 2010

Stephen Todd Hoyt Santoro’s father and I are celebrating his birthday today and wish to share our tribute to him with you.

A father sees a son through so many ups and downs. Through all the years until he becomes an adult. It starts with feeding you a bottle in the early hours of the morning and rocking you to sleep while loving every ounce of you and looking into those beautiful eyes of yours. I remember worrying when you didn’t crawl or start to speak when I thought you should. Then to my amazement not only did you stand and walk, you also spoke in full sentences with a vocabulary well beyond your age. I'm so glad you were born, because you brightened my life and filled it with joy.

We saw you grow into manhood and exhibit your talent for music. You married and became an outstanding DJ (Bam Bam) making the owner of Bricks a very wealthy man.

There is much to remember and be thankful for as we remember you and the way you shared your life with those around you. You gave gifts of love and understanding to those you shared your life with. These are gifts that no one can take away. Though you are gone, these gifts will remain with those to whom you gave so much.

We came across this verse and thought of you,

"His life earnest, his actions kind,
A willing hand, an active mind,
Anxious to please, loath to offend,
A loving person and faithful friend."


Your friendship is our most treasured blessing. Thank you for all the joy, happiness, laughter and the love you have given us. We wish for you today and ever after that you are in a place where these blessings will be returned. There are no goodbyes for us wherever you are, you will always be in our heart.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, We’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.


Happy Birthday Stephen,

Love always and forever,

Dad and Dee

Alekkai Bray

August 11, 2010

Bam, I miss you. Much thanks to you for blessing me with your talents and brightening my soul with your positivity. The energy you could stir up, the smiles you could evoke, and the love you shared with all will be kept in our hearts as you travel. See you again soon my friend,.. xoxo

Nancy & Carm Santoro

August 7, 2010

Our Dearest Son Stephen,

Our life will never be the same without you here. We love you and miss you so very very much........your love, your spirit, the light in your eyes and your beautiful, beautiful smile!! And of course, so many other family and friends will always treasure their memories of you, too. We hope and pray you are now at peace and have a great big smile knowing all of the people who paid tribute to you and honored you by attending your memorial service on Sunday, August 1st. Your birthday is in just a few days and we will be celebrating you all day long!!
With our love forever and ever, your Mom and Dad

Jennifer Rose

August 1, 2010

All my thoughts & prayers are with his entire family & loved ones. I remember him from Laguna Hills High & he was always a great deal of fun to be with.
All My Love~
Jennifer Rose~

Allison Snowden

August 1, 2010

Steve was an amazing being full of light, love, and compassion! He is missed and loved by so many. sending my condolences and love to his family and friends!

Shannon Boyd

July 28, 2010

Steve, you will be an angel always... Never forgotten. I will always remember your love of music and your rockabilly days at LHHS. Rest in peace my old friend. - Shannon Case Boyd

Dagny Thomas

July 28, 2010

Bam Bam, you were always full of joy and passion. You will be dearly missed by so many. Big hugs and love to you! I share Patti and Jim's sentiments: big love to Ryan, I hope you guys are rocking out together. We miss you and wish you so much peace!

Bill & Kay Healey

July 28, 2010

What a handsome and tallented young man to leave us so soon. He will always remain in our hearts and memories. With Love and regards. Bill & Kay Healey

Matt Hensley

July 28, 2010

Stephen had a huge impact on my life. he will be missed. My deepest sympathies to all his friends and family.

Kato

July 28, 2010

Hey Brother big big love to you and our fantastic friendship. Safe travels in your new journey!!!

Patti and Jim Rutledge

July 28, 2010

Bam Bam,
We can only smile when we think of you and Ryan living in Berkely together. Knowing what good friends you were and your love for House Music, we know you two are playing your music together now and are both happy. We love and miss you, Stephen. Give Tigger a hug from us!!

July 27, 2010

Stephen,

We all loved you and you shall never be forgotten. JOY

Katinka Barton Kapur

July 27, 2010

Dear Nancy and Carm,

We will always hold Stephen dear in our hearts. He gave so much love and light to so many.

With deep regards,

Katinka & Mo

Steven Ho

July 27, 2010

Much love and fond memories....particularly at the OC debate championships. We had an amazing time throughout the process, it was never without laughs, and that time in 1984 will remain etched in my memory forever. Around 2000, I literally bumped into Steve in Park City. We recognized each other instantly and shared a nice moment talking about the past and catching up on our lives. I'll never forget his smile and the feeling that I had when we realized the coincidence of running into one another in the middle of a blizzard. I am remiss that I am unable to make the service, but I wanted to extend my deep condolences, love and respect to Carm, Nancy, and the family. - Steven Ho

Carole Volpi

July 27, 2010

Stephen what a bright light you are in everyone's life. You are loved so very much and you will always hold a special place in my heart filled with all of our fun family memories. Much love, Auntie Carole

Lisa Turner

July 27, 2010

Nancy & Carm,

I did not know Stephen well but I will never forget his smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lisa Turner

Andrea Goeglein

July 26, 2010

Dear Nancy and Carm, Stephen will live in every life you are helping by allowing us to know about the Bipolar Foundation. You are all in our thoughts with love. Andrea and Richard

Angela Lowry

July 26, 2010

Stephen Todd~ Still can't believe it! I miss you dearly, but know you are finally at peace! I think of you each day and remember the special family times growing up together. I love you!

Celina Gradijan

July 26, 2010

Stephen - - Your bright light and warm smile will always be remembered. You are a special spirit that was loved by many. You touched more people than you could ever imagine and will be missed so much. Much love to Carm and Nancy and the entire family. We'll keep you close to our hearts and in our prayers. Love, Celina & Frank

July 25, 2010

Steve, Thanks for the music, and the energy you brought to so many friends' lives!!! I'll dance with you again!

Andres Juarez

July 25, 2010

Stephen was a good neighbor, pleasant to be around and always had something kind to say. Stephen will continue be in our prayers.

Lynda Mazzola

July 25, 2010

Stephen Todd, I remember the day you were born, and will always have a special place in my heart for you. With loving memories forever, Aunt Lynda

Terri Silva

July 25, 2010

My Beautiful Boo Boo ~

You will always be that little boy that "looked like Boo but I'm jazz man". I'll miss you everyday of my life and know that you are playing our song "We Are Family" for me everyday. Rest in peace now ~

Your Sissy

Aaron Ashcraft

July 25, 2010

Nancy, Carm & Family:
God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Stephen will not be forgotten; he touched many lives.
Love,
Aaron & Tomas

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