Stephen (Steve) David Brundage, Sr. entered this world on November 10, 1968. He was born in Hampton, VA to loving parents Lani Eberlein and David Brundage. He later spent several years in Waco, Texas, and summers in Northern Virginia with his father and stepmother. He enjoyed his teenage years in Cincinnati, OH, graduating from Purcell Marian High School.

Steve was an avid basketball player and began his college career at Xavier University. When he was only offered a “walk-on” position for the Xavier basketball team, he transferred to Cincinnati Technical College, accepting a scholarship his sophomore year. After playing for two years, he returned to Xavier, graduating in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Steve didn’t necessarily regret his transfer, however, upon reflection, agreed that he should have reconsidered this once in a lifetime “walk-on” position at a Division 1 University! Those that knew Steve, also knew his love for basketball continued throughout his life, often waking up early for 6AM recreational games or watching his favorite Timberwolves during the NBA Season. He was blessed to witness live, some of the greatest to ever play the game, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Steph Curry.

Steve married his soulmate Deborah Soffin on January 1, 2010. From this unbreakable union, two beautiful children were born: Isabella Rachel on May 1, 2013, and Stephen Jr. on Steve’s birthday – November 10, 2015. Steve developed a truly special bond with his wife and kids, creating an everlasting love that will last for eternity. He never missed an opportunity to share or show his affection towards his wife and children. As a family, they created lasting memories through family walks, dance parties, movie nights, pizza Fridays, and backyard pool swims. Most importantly, Steve took pride in being the family’s spiritual leader. Daily, he would text Deborah, her mother and her sister, important scriptures of God’s love. The Brundages were faithful members of Crossroads Community Church in Cincinnati and attended services at Deborah’s childhood church, New Covenant United Church of Christ in Buffalo, NY, when they relocated to Rochester. Steve’s solid faith and love for his family fueled his relentless bravery to tackle the beast of Glioblastoma.

Steve also had a love for music, especially attending concerts. He was surrounded by a family of musicians and singers. He loved all musical varieties including classic rock, R&B, and reggae – just about everything except country music. Some of the kid’s greatest memories with Daddy were blasting songs in the car on the way to school. Even before turning two, each child would belt out words to special songs selected by Daddy, including “Sunday Morning” by Earth, Wind and Fire. Although Isabella and Stephen are young in age, they are rich in loving memories and life lessons experienced through song.

Travelling was also one of Steve’s passions. Exploring different parts of the world, especially along the ocean was always his preference. This likely inspired his passion for real estate. The family was able to enjoy and create special memories in the Seychelle Islands, Aruba, Nepal, Mexico, St. Croix, Hilton Head, Sanibel Island and Topsail Island.

Steve was an inspiration to many and a friend to all. He had a kind soul and was often referred to as a gentle giant, standing at 6’8”. He was an introvert who preferred to be at home with his family, until invited out. He then became the “life of the party” with his jovial nature, usually after a favorite craft beer, bourbon, or scotch.

To all our dismay, at the young age of 53, Steve died on February 12, 2022, after his nearly 20-month battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Deborah Soffin Brundage; two children, Isabella and Stephen Brundage Jr.; Mother, Lani Eberlein; Father and Stepmother, David and Mary Anne Brundage; Siblings, Meghan Brundage, Julia (Jimmy) Cuevas, Ian (Andrea) Brundage, and Cynthian (Joshua) Knight, as well as many loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Private Memorial Service will be held.  You can view a livestream of the service by clicking HERE on Sunday, February 20^th at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a Go-Fund Me set up for his children’s college education.  You are able to donate here https://gofund.me/a36563ba