I met Steve for the first time about 10 years ago at one of the Mitchell family gatherings.  He was so easily to talk to and get to know it felt like i new him forever. He played on the Ford golf league and it was always a pleasure to play with him. I host a golf outing every year for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and he was always a supporter that's just the kind of guy he was always wanting to help out. I will miss my friend and i will always cherish the memories we shared. God Bless you my friend.

 I thank God that I was able to spend that time with Stevie. We had alot of fun in the short time I was there. He and I share childhood stories, laughed and cried together. We stilled had the same love of cars and horses. The one memories that will always make me smile is the one when  I still lived in Saginaw. He was spending the night and kept me up asking me for water. His mother and father taught him to say " Hey man aqua". He kept that up it seemed like forever. I finally got tired of it and told him hey man there's no more aqua go to sleep. I wish that I could just hear him say it one more time. Stevie was a great guy a great friend and a great cousin. I will miss him dearly. Cousin Tim Rotunno

I had the pleasure of briefly knowing Steve. I say brief because in comparison to a life time, it was. Steve came into my life by way of a relationship long past and memories aged but never forgotten. I have had the distinct honor to learn a great many things from a great many people. In that way, amongst others, I have been blessed.

But, the single greatest lesson I have ever truly learned and the one that I have carried with me and daily use more than any other, came from a very brief conversation shared in a car with Steve Rotunno. 

I was 17 I believe. Not exposed to much (of which looking back at some of the exposures to date...perhaps was a good thing). We were riding in his car, crossing Canada in search of what I was assured to be the best fish. Upon further inspection...that accolade was somewhat suspect. Anyhow, as we made our way, a conversation broke out about construction. That topic had carried on for about 10 minutes or in 17 year old time...3 hours, when a single thought, made of only a few sentences, came out. At the time I thought little about it, except for perhaps it resonating somehow more perfect and distinctly than what my own father had spent a lifetime of shop time trying to convey to me. Steve said as follows: 

“Any body can wind up on a job without the right tool. You don’t know what you don’t know. And I don’t mind at all lending you the tool for a day...but at the end of that day, the only place you need to be is down at the store getting that tool. Always make sure you have the right tool for the job and it’s part of your job to get the right tool if you don’t have it” . That’s it.

That’s all that was said.

We went on to get fish. 

Throughout my life, both in good times and in bad, I have from time to time thought back to what a powerful metaphor that is. Always have the right tool and if you don’t have it...acquire it. 

I know that there is a lifetime of legacy and memories and hope and love that will spring forth from this beautiful tribute page. I also know that my contribution, feelings and or connection, pale in comparison to perhaps every other author. But sometimes there comes along a moment that gives a stage to try to honestly thank someone and in some small way share a love and appreciation for, that otherwise would go an eternity unspoken. So for what it’s worth...this is my time for this great man. 

It was an honor to know you. It was a lesson in life to get to spend time with you. And as perhaps inappropriately measured or foolish as it may seem when placed within the memories of those closest to him, that time...as time passes...continues to grow in impact and those little bits of lessons continue to shape the life of me. 

Thank you Steve...
Rest easy. 

Greg

Uncle Steve - where to begin? I have many cherished memories (mostly from when I was younger) and some more recent spending time with him and Sharon up north at the cottage in Onekama. 
When I was younger Uncle Steve lived in Paw Paw where I grew up near the old middle school in town. Whenever I drive through town and pass by his old house I still think of that house as his and always refer to it as "uncle Steve's house".  I can picture the house very vividly and remember spending many summer days and nights playing there with my cousins Stef and Chia and Ang.  I reminded Uncle Steve this summer while we were up north at the cottage of one of my memories with him when I was younger "going to the Crystal club with him and the kids" (it was a bar) lol... he said "Shawner Doner that's not a good memory" and we laughed....
Uncle Steve was always upbeat and happy I don't think I ever encountered him mad or angry. (Not at me at least) :)
With all the health problems he had these last couple years he still always made it to family gatherings and kept upbeat and positive. He never complained and was always so so helpful to my parents. Uncle Steve helped so much with the cottage and his memory will forever be embedded to our magical favorite place. I'm so so thankful to have seen him over the summers at the cottage but now I am sad I didn't get to spend more time with him.  
Until we are all reunited again... I love you Uncle... Prayers to Sharon, Gemma the pup, Sharon's family, Lisa, Stef and Chia his grandkids, my beautiful Grandma and Aunts and momma! Prayers to all of us we lost a wonderful person! Love you all!!!

"Shawner Donner" (as Uncle Steve called me

Steve came into my life when I was little. I kind of remember it, but not all too well. I remember Grammy having a garage sale, but that's kind of it. I now know that that's where they met and then fell in love. He has been a part of our family ever since and I couldn't be more grateful. Steve was a huge blessing to my family and I. He was the kindest, funniest, sweetest, and most loving human. Steve was one of the people that called me Maddie. Not many do, but when he did, it just made sense. He would often say, "Mad Mad Maddie," when seeing me or talking to me on the phone. He was also always cracking a joke if he had the chance. He would often say, "that's my story and I am sticking to it!" and then run away. It never failed to put a smile on my face.

When I think of Steve and his importance in my life, one story comes to mind. I had gotten into U of M and the family was excited, Steve was so excited. Grammy, Steve, and I were talking and I had just given Grammy a Michigan Grandma shirt for some occasion. Grammy had mentioned that Steve would need to get one, and he asked, "but what would I get on mine?" Grammy had said, "Michigan Grandpa!" Steve was my grandpa, that's what he was, though I never called him it. Time came and I had given Steve a shirt. I remember his face lighting up and his smile was so big and kind. He immediately put it on and gave me a huge hug. Later that night, Steve called me. He wanted to thank me for the shirt and he explained how incredibly proud he was of me. He said that he always tried to be there for us grandkids because he loved us and called us family, and that's what we were. I am so thankful to have had a grandpa like Steve, he was such a huge blessing in my life. I miss him every single day, but I know he is watching us all in heaven and is smiling down.