Stephen was my first ever friend, and my best friend growing up. When I think about my childhood or tell stories about growing up, frequently Stephen was there. From playing in his pool, riding bikes around the neighborhood, playing roller hockey in the street, going to Mets games, hanging out in the summer until the street lights came on, shoveling around the neighborhood after a blizzard, water gun fights, neighborhood parties, and trick or treating every Halloween together, we had a great time. I feel sad that we lost touch after I moved, but I will forever cherish the times we had together, and was very sad to hear of his passing.

The first dog I had growing up was a mutt named Leo. When Leo died, Steve came over at some ungodly hour of the morning and helped me and my father bury him in the backyard.

This was during a long stretch of our teenage years when we spent many nights aimlessly driving around and lamenting whatever hopelessly sordid romantic situation we had most recently gotten ourselves into.

I cannot believe that the person who was always sitting in the driver’s seat of that car all that time — shaking that stick shift loose with all the restless energy we both had — is gone now.

To hear about this has been to travel through time. Our lives grew more different and more distant the further we journeyed into adulthood. But all of those conversations we had are still out there somewhere, never falling silent, just becoming something else.

Somewhere along the flat circles of spacetime, that Pepsi can that went flying under the radiator in your parent’s living room is still fizzling. Those Bagel Bites are still coming out of that oven in unlimited quantities. And those Street Fighter II Turbo / Kevin Smith movie marathon sleepovers are still raging toward a morning we wished would never come.

Sitting at your wake I realized this was so true. Life is a precious gift that was taken away from us far too soon. You will truly be missed. As a child you were smart funny and charming. I watched you grow up to become a fine young man. Where did the time go. I m honored to have known you your entire life. We will miss you and that handsome smile. RIP Stephen and love you.

“Dimpels” had an enormous heart he was quick witted and one of not the smartest person I ever met. He is missed by many . You are well loved my friend , may you rest in peace.

Chris, Kevin and Keith- we are thinking of you at this very tough and difficult time and pray that you can take the time to remember the good times with Stephen.