Mr. Steven Edward Wharton Sr. of Matamoras, Pa., passed Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at home with his family by his side. He was 61. He was born October 7, 1962, in Port Jervis, NY. He is predeceased by both his father, Robert Wharton, and his mother, Margaret McDowell. Steven worked for many years at the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company in New Windsor, NY. If anyone knew our father, you knew he was the hardest working person you’d ever met. Our dad never gave up in the face of adversity.
A family statement read: “Every year the Jets lose, but Steven never gave up on them; he was a die-hard Jets fan until the end.” We believe this is a testament to his determination and ability to remain hopeful when situations felt hopeless.
If Steven had a theme it was “Family, Football, and Pizza.” He loved heading down to Wildwood or Lake George for family vacations. His mother, who recently passed away, instilled in him the tradition of family holidays. He took that to heart, turning into an excited little kid during every holiday. Whether it was decorating the tree or driving around town looking at Christmas lights, he was happy to spend time with his family during the holidays. He was a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur and taught his grandson, Aidyn, his ways. Together they traveled the Tri-State area rating pizzerias until they found a favorite. Steven thought he was the funniest person in the room; he was the master of dad jokes. Sitting down at a restaurant with him, you’d need to prepare to warn the waitress they were in for a lot of them. He always found a way to make every situation better, even up until the end of his life. He was always there for his loved ones and friends, but above all, he was the best father, grandfather, son and brother anyone could ask for. He was so full of life and adventure that it overflowed on everyone he knew, especially his girlfriend, Donna, who truly learned the meaning of adventure on her vacations with Steve. Steve always made a point that he wanted his family to be together and to love one another. He was and will always be proud of his family. Dad, Grandpa, Steve, we love you and will miss you forever.
The Wharton family would like to extend a heartwarming thank you to all those who donated, supported, and cared for Steve these past few months. Watching him walk into work after the diagnosis and seeing everyone line up to show him support made his face light up; that was the happiest we had seen him in a long time. The Facebook posts and comments of concern for him truly gave him the courage to fight a little harder; your care for him meant everything. Thank you.
Surviving are his three children Steven Wharton and partner Jennifer, Georgia Wharton, and Stefani Wharton and partner Aidan; longtime partner Donna Praino; brothers Robert Wharton and sister-in-law Debbie, Mark Wharton and sister-in-law Lorie, and Frank Reome and sister-in-law Kelly; former wife and mother of his children, Connie Wharton; three grandchildren Aidyn, Dylan and Elliott; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation: Friday, July 26, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gray Parker Funeral Home, Inc., 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771, with a memorial service at the funeral home directly after. Cremation was held at MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford, Pa.
Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis (845-856-5191). For more information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit grayparkerfuneralhome.com.