Stephen Alexander Way

1945 - 2024

Stephen Alexander Way, 79, died in San Mateo on November 20, 2024 following a courageous battle with kidney disease.

He was born January 23, 1945, in Baltimore MD, the second son of Helen and Pennington H. Way, Jr. Much of his early life was in Madison NJ. He and his brother spent many happy childhood summers at their grandmother's cottage on the coast of Maine where he developed a lifelong love for fishing and boating. In 1962 he graduated from Madison High School, where he excelled in athletics. He attended Wittenburg University in Ohio then transferred to University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he graduated in 1966 with a major in Economics. From 1966 until 1972, he served in the US Army Reserves as a drill sergeant.

In 1967, he met Patricia Casey who became his beloved wife and soul-mate when they married in 1969. They settled in San Mateo where they raised their sons, and recently celebrated their 55th anniversary.

Steve's long career in finance began in San Francisco's United California Bank training program, eventually working his way into executive and board positions with UCB and various banks. In midlife, he worked briefly with Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company; subsequently he founded Way Financial Planning & Insurance, and became a Certified Financial Planner. In 2003, he became a founder and director of United American Bank in San Mateo.

Steve was tireless in his support of non-profits in San Mateo County, many of which benefited greatly from his expertise and leadership. He served as president on the board of directors for Coyote Point Museum (now CuriOdyssey). He was president of the San Mateo County History Museum at a crucial time when the museum moved into the old courthouse in Redwood City; he was credited with raising over a million dollars to restore the stained-glass dome. He remained an active fundraiser and donor after leaving the board. For many years he was active in San Mateo Rotary, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Steve served as board president of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) San Mateo County, bringing financial stability during difficult times.

Outside of work, Steve was honored to be a member of Societe' Pescatoire fishing club, and rarely met a golf course he didn't like. Throughout his life, Steve loved baseball. As an avid player (varsity catcher) in his youth, he was forever a fan, seldom missing a Giants game and a chance to bet a dollar a game. He loved traveling the world with Pat, visiting family and friends, and making new friends. One of his greatest pleasures was spending family time at the Hide-A-Way cabin in the Sierras. With his terrific sense of humor and always a twinkle in his eye, his presence in all our lives has been a great gift. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to Pat, he is survived by his sons Eric and David, daughter-in-law, Katrina, along with cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and outlaws, cherished friends and colleagues-he loved them all! He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Pennington H. Way III.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the New Year.

Donations may be made "In Memory of Stephen A. Way" to a charity of your choice or: San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City 94063, NAMI San Mateo County 1730 S. Amphlett Blvd. #308, San Mateo 94402, or San Mateo Rotary Foundation, PO Box 95, San Mateo 94401.