John Anthony Steffanie Obituary 

John Anthony Steffanie, age 85, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2024. Formerly a lifelong resident of Fair Lawn, New Jersey for 52 years. 

Born on February 12, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, John lived a life of kindness, integrity, and service. In the 1960s, he proudly served in the United States Coast Guard as a reservist. In 1963, he began a long and dedicated career at HoffmanLaRoche (now Roche Pharmaceuticals) in Nutley, NJ, where he worked as a pipe fitter foreman, then later as a maintenance supervisor. He was also a member of the Heavy Rescue Squad at Roche, where the team competed in international competitions and won many titles – a point of pride. He continued his work at the same location with Johnson Controls, bringing his strong work ethic and pride in craftmanship that defined what he did.  

John had a heart for helping others. He spent much of his life giving back to the community – whether through his work as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, being the head Usher at St Anne’s Church, organizing bingo nights for schools and parishes, delivering Meals on Wheels, or donating gallons of blood over the years. John was a proud member of The Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps for over 40 years and served as Chief for a term. On September 11, 2001. After witnessing the destruction of the World Trade Center tower from his office in Nutley, NJ; John, desperate to help, went to the Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He and his fellow members quickly loaded up ambulances, ready to assist in any way that they could. His quiet generosity and steady presence touched more lives than he realized. 

John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 38 years, Jessica in 2001. He is survived by his daughters, Rosemary Ren of Marlborough, MA and Barbara Steffanie Richards of St. Petersburg, Fl; his cherished grandchildren, Alexandra and Violet Ren of Boston and Marlborough, MA, and John Ryan Richards of St. Petersburg, Fl. He also leaves behind his sons-in-law, Eric Ren and John Richards. John shared a particularly strong bond with John Richards – they spent many hours together fishing and boating. They and John Ryan spent many days together as well, creating lasting memories along three generations. In his later years, John deeply appreciated John Richard’s steady support and presence, especially when it was needed most. He will also be missed by his mischievous rescue Labrador, Chance, who brought him joy and kept him on his toes.  

A Funeral Mass will be held on July 11, 2025, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Fl, to honor and celebrate John’s life. He will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Butler, NJ, beside his beloved wife, Jessica. Interment will take place at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 282, Fair Lawn, NJ – a cause close to his heart, or a charity of your choice.