Stephen James Naso III

1958 - 2024

Stephen James Naso III

April 26, 1958 - October 5, 2024

Gaston, South Carolina - Stephen James Naso, III, 66, of Gaston, SC, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Mr. Naso was born on April 26,1958, a son of the late Dr. Stephen James Naso, Jr. and Mrs. Ann Evers Naso.

From Charlotte, North Carolina, Steve graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School. In 1980, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Environmental Science from Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, North Carolina. He completed a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University in 1983.

Steve dedicated his professional life to helping the disadvantaged. Employed by the City of Jacksonville, Florida in the Division of Grants and Contract Compliance, he worked to obtain funding to better serve its residents. It was while trying to secure funding to provide improved residential services for patients with HIV that he met his future wife, Susan. He subsequently worked with inmates at the Duval County Detention Center to help them learn to read, write, and build other life skills. While working with these individuals, he began his second career as an educator. In 2010 he received his teacher certificate through Daytona State College.

Since 2010, Steve worked as a Special Education Resource Teacher in Florida, Wyoming, and more recently, South Carolina. He provided specialized and individualized educational support to middle school and high school students with disabilities or special needs. He coached basketball, volleyball, fast-pitch softball, track and field, and golf. He also was a referee and umpire and enjoyed officiating in many different sports.

Steve is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mrs. Susan Naso of Gaston, South Carolina; his daughter Ms. Amanda Hulbert of Gaston, South Carolina; his daughter Ms. Faith Naso of Gaston, South Carolina; his sister, Mrs. Julie Rea and her husband Mr. Mike Rea of Rock Hill, South Carolina; his brother Dr. William Naso and his wife Dr. Nicolette Naso of Florence, South Carolina; and his mother Mrs. Ann Naso of Florence, South Carolina.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks for the kindness and care given by the McLeod Hospice House. They are also deeply thankful for the love and prayers of their friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Naso's honor to the Mcleod Hospice House, 1203 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506.

A Vigil Service and family visitation to follow will be held beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.