Stephen York Van Skiver

Stephen York Van Skiver died peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born May 24, 1949, he was the son of the late Marion C. and Floyd Van Skiver. He was in the Computer Technology Program (Merrill's Marauders) at Syracuse Central Technical High School, graduating in 1967. Steve earned an Associate's Degree from OCC and later enjoyed several classes at S.U. After 36 years, he retired from The John Deere Company. He proudly wore his JD green jacket and Deere belt buckle up to his last days.

At age 9, while living on W. Bissell St., Steve "helped" at the Jac's Horseradish Company across the street. In his teens Steve developed an interest in baking. He perfected cream puffs and made an amazing Baked Alaska. He always enjoyed eating...he never met a cheeseburger topped with mushrooms he didn't like. We're sure he was welcomed by Mom, Dad, Mommy B. and Daddy B. with open arms and our families' favorites: 3 beer Cornell Recipe grilled chicken and hot fudge sundaes.

"Brudder Bill" (AKA Steve) loved his dogs, especially Carmel and Sasha, and was a strong supporter of The Boy Scouts of America. Steve enjoyed fishing, playing poker and following S.U. sports. He knew that Gerry McNamara was "coming home" and was thrilled. He loved going to the Bob Cecile Community/Senior Center to eat, converse, and play Bingo, Threes, or Kings in the Corner. We can imagine Steve has been playing rousing games of poker with friends who've gone before: Tim, Pat, Doug, Alan, and Tom.

Surviving Steve are his sisters (AKA sisty uglers) Jane V. Racculia (Michael) and Carol Van Skiver; son Mathew J. Van Skiver; sisters from another mother Sue, Sandy and Nancy; cousin Terry Norris; niece Kate Racculia (Sean); and several cousins. He was blessed to have another family at the Cecile Center, especially Yvonne and Warren.

We would like to thank the nurses and doctors at St. Joseph's Hospital in the ER, Unit 2-4, the ICU, and the PCU for their care and compassion. We are especially grateful to his Senior Center family for their love of Steve...you changed his life.

There will be calling hours from 2PM to 4PM, Wednesday, April 8th at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 S. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13205

In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider contributing to: · Bob Cecile Community/Senior Center: 174 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse NY 13205 · Peace Inc. Senior Nutrition Program: 6756 Pickard Drive, Syracuse, NY 13211 · MS Resources of CNY: 6743 Kinne Street, East Syracuse, NY 13057