On December 30, 2021, Steven “Steve” Valdez Jr., a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend entered eternal life at age 37.
Steven graced the earth on March 31, 1984 in Phoenix, Arizona to Steven Sr. and Florentina. Steven will be remembered as a funny, sweet and free-spirited boy, who was one of the few to carry out his passions as he transitioned into adulthood.
To many, Steven was known as a music enthusiast for his knowledge in musical culture and wide range of genres. However, his most favorite music of all time derived from the band TOOL. He also learned to play the bass, drums, and other instruments, as well as having been a part of a band(s), just as he’d always dreamt of.
Some of his greatest joys involved bicycling and group rides with his favorite bike crew, attending concerts and sporting events, traveling, experiencing nature, trying new things, spending time with his nieces and nephews and making people laugh just to highlight a few.
Though he lived an unconventional lifestyle, no matter where life brought him, he chose to live and not just exist. For his passions gave him a sense of purpose, whether it be having the ultimate jam session, beating another record on one of his bicycle rides, helping out his loved ones, providing love and laughter for so many, or even being the rock we never knew we needed. Steven simply did what he loved to do and that is his legacy.
His spirit is carried on by his mother, Florentina Golna; his father, Steven Valdez Sr. (Becky); his five sisters, Evangeline Gonzalez (Baltazar), Darlene Valdez-Lopez (Julio), Veronica Gutierrez (Manuel), Christine Valdez, and Ashley Golna; his 16 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews; and his other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. There will be a Celebration of Life held in his honor at his father’s home.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Barrow Neurological Foundation and Crossroads, Inc. would be appreciated.
April Romero
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. I met Steven in Jr. High and we shared lots of laughs together over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Samantha
To the departed: Although we only spoke occasionally recently; you will always be a staple character in my life, while transitioning into adulthood. Parties, singing, jamming, dancing and wild nights. It was always good to see you randomly at music events since, as this was a very unique occurrence amongst our friend group. As a musician, I hold you in high regard for being open to experience all genres. Even the crazy ones I hold so close and dear. Going back to read our old dms brought a smile to my face. I hope you have found the peace you were seeking.
Rest Easy homie.
Sending strength and healing to all of Steve’s family and friends being affected by this extreme loss.
Ciera
So much love for Steven. I will miss him very much. From singing songs in the car to bike riding. We had a lot of fun together. Thank you for bringing him into the world Valdez family.
Becky
Mijo RIP I love you and miss you so much. ❤
Jerry Monreal
My Condolences to Steve and Steven Jr. family. Sending prayers and comfort to all. God bless.
Linda Farrell
Steve, I am so sorry and sad to learn about your son passing away. No words on this earth could comfort you during this difficult time. The Lord needed Steve upstairs to sprinkle his loving spirit to others. I’m here should you need someone to talk with. Sending love, friendship & hugs to you, Becky & your beautiful family.
Christina Bradley
Steven will be greatly missed by all. I’ve known him since junior high and have a lot of shared memories with him. My condolences to all his family during this hard time. May you find peace and comfort. Rest in peace now Valdeezy. Lots of love-Chrissy xoxo
George Golna
My condolences to everyone that knew Steven. I am saddened greatly by Steven‘s passing. He had so much love especially for his siblings, nieces, and nephews. As I looked at his photos and videos, it reminded me how much love and joy he had for them. I miss his positive and happy attitude toward every adventure even when being naughty. We all miss you Steven.
Hayden and Jennie
Love you Veronica! We’re thinking of you and your family. Your night team misses you dearly and we are a little family of our own so we got you whatever you need.
Trevino Family
We send our condolences to you and your family
Crystal Froats
I’m so sorry to hear of Steven’s passing. Always such a nice and polite kid. Always will remember him and all his buddies hanging out at my house with Adam . They always had a blast together.. May God bless you and your family in this very difficult time.
Logan Smith
Steven was one of my oldest friends. He was well-liked, always a popular guy, and will be missed. I’m grateful he and I had kept in regular contact since after his hospital stay. My heart goes out to his family, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be in town for his services yesterday.
Love ya, Steven. See you on the other side.
Sherry Walters, Stockton
Stephan was a good kid he was one of my Youngest bosses I ever had but the most respectful and always with a smile always took his time with everybody was always a great guy I haven’t seen you in so many years now since I left to come back home to Texas but I never forgot about you I’ll see you on Facebook at the concert and doing things that you loved you will be missed but never forgotten until we see you again my friend rest in peace
Cesar Lopez
Good Afternoon,
I want to begin and end this letter by saying thank you to everyone that is in attendance here today. For those of you that may not know me, my name is Cesar Lopez. I am only one, out of the many nieces and nephews that my Uncle Steven has.
As I began to collect my thoughts for my uncle today, I couldn’t quite summarize my feelings for him. To just describe him with one word, seemed almost inappropriate. I think we are all aware that Steven is not a man that could be described with one word, and “ordinary” was definitely not one of them. From his personality to his talents, he was a multifaceted human, who offered and gave so much to his family. He may have been quite some days, yet still louder than all his sisters combined, humorous yet dark, sometimes distant but still a rock for so many. He truly lived his life as a free spirit and everyone in this room can remember him in their own way. His complexity is what will keep him alive for an eternity amongst us.
As I recall more of my Uncle Steven, I could not pinpoint an exact memory or specific time I had with my uncle but what I do have is the plethora of small memories he had left me with. Such as him picking me up from high school some days and me telling him to turn down the music because he was scaring my friends by blasting Tool, or the time he grew out his hair to have a Jedi ponytail, or him always asking if I wanted anything from his small convenient store runs. Even our late-night drives to get food, and my personal favorite, the memory of him kissing all his family members on the head when entering or leaving a family function. All these small memories that may have been trivial at the moment are the best memories for me. Moments that specifically remind me of his kindness, love, and corkiness.
In February of 2021, my uncle was in a car collision on his bike, and the outcome was uncertain, but through love and support from all his family, we were graced to enjoy another 10 months of Stevens’ beautiful soul, a soul that radiated nothing but authenticity and love for whom he loved.
There is a quote that has stuck out for me and so many others, it’s by his favorite band, Tool, it goes as follows, “This body holding me, reminds me of my own mortality, embrace this moment, remember we are eternal, all this pain is an illusion”. This quote has reminded me that from that date till now, if any of this has taught me anything, it is to cherish the small moments we have with one another, to see the importance in time because more of it, is never guaranteed.
Stevens passing into the light brought to my attention that we need to seek one another out and show more love and support for each other.
Once again on behalf of our family, I would like to thank everyone that attended today and those who have sent their condolences. We have received an abundance of love and support through phone calls, text messages, visits, thoughts and prayer, and so many other ways. They have not only been comforting but a reminder that my Uncle Steven meant so much to so many people around him. Thank you.
Jennifer Bond
Steven , I will always remember listening to Tool , staying up late talking on the phone and watching movies even though I could never stay awake lol I’m sorry I couldn’t be at your service. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed , I know your finally at peace and with God. Rest easy valdezy