Steve Star, 96, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2021, surrounded by his family and friends, in Fairfield, California.
On January 30, 1925, Steve was born in Helper, Utah. He married Lola DeAngelis, the love of his life, on February 7, 1947, after eloping to Salt Lake City. She preceded him in death on February 23, 2003.
Steve spent most of his youth in Utah, including Spring Canyon, a town that brought him some of his happiest memories, and where his mom ran a boarding house while his dad worked in the coal mines. Steve and his family eventually moved to a farm they purchased in Carbonville.
He graduated from Carbon High School, Price, Utah in 1943, and soon afterward became a coal miner, working in several mines such as Latuda, Standardville, and Castle Gate. He was subsequently appointed as Fire Boss and later as a Mine Foreman.
Steve attended the University of Utah and became a Safety Engineer and later Safety Instructor for the Federal Bureau of Mines. He eventually decided to move with his young family to Compton, California, to pursue other employment opportunities, including positions as Safety Engineer with US Steel, Safety Engineer with Los Angeles County, and Safety Engineer with the City of Los Angeles.
His higher education was vital to him. Steve felt it key to achieving his goals, so he continued with classes at USC and UCLA and became certified in California as a Safety Engineer. He advanced to Director of Safety, City of Los Angeles, which led him to chair several committees, including his appointment as the Chairman of the Public Employees Section of the National Safety Council.
While living in San Pedro, California, Steve concluded his time with the City of Los Angeles in Council Deputy for the City Council president. After moving to Grand Junction, Colorado, he became Loss Control Coordinator for the City of Grand Junction and worked as a private safety consultant for various public and private entities.
Steve had many interests such as hunting, fishing, traveling the world over, dancing, cooking, and was well- known for enjoying a great meal, with dinner at 5 o’clock sharp. He was particularly proud of his Croatian heritage and loved to cook traditional meals, such as a lamb and pig on a spit. He and Lola would travel as much as possible to visit with their children and grandchildren or to join family and friends on various trips in the USA or abroad on cruises.
In later years, he moved to Crockett, then Vallejo, California, where he was active in several organizations, including a Bocce league. Steve enjoyed dancing at the Moose Club with his special lady friend and traveling companion, Debbie Cussins. When he was well into his 80’s, they traveled to various places in Europe, China, and Russia.
Steve has two surviving children, Patricia Star and Roberta Star Schryver, along with Roberta’s husband, Bob Schryver, who Steve thought of as a son. Many grandchildren survive him: Neil (Laura) Guglielmo, Patrick Guglielmo, Kelly (Mark) Davignon, Steven Graff, and Gregory Graff; and many great-grandchildren: Noah Guglielmo, Isabella Guglielmo, Jacob Graff, and The Davignon’s—Thomas, Megan, Joseph, Michael, Mary, John, Catherine, Timothy, and Anna Lola. His surviving siblings include Martin Star, Barbara (Frank) Lang, Helen Star, and sister-in-law Rose Star.
Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Lola Star; his daughter Candice Star; his parents Bob and Katie Star; his siblings Bob, Jr., Mary, Matt Star, and Anne Biegler; brother-in-law Tom Biegler; sister-in-law Mary Star; and nephew Matt N. Star.
We love you, Daddy. Uzmi pomalo!
Funeral Mass Friday, July 9, 2021,1:00 p.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church, 5 South Main, Helper, Utah. Family will gather at the church one hour prior to the mass. Committal Mt. View Cemetery, Helper, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends and family are welcome to share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.