Obituary of Stephen Figurelli

“A man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child,” is a quote attributed to Ted Williams, Abraham Lincoln, and others. It doesn’t matter who said it, Steve Figurelli lived it. After his sudden passing on April 22, he leaves behind a legacy of service, caring, and love to emulate and remember. Steve was born March 19, 1961, in Paterson, N.J., and attended St. James R.C. School in his hometown of Totowa, N.J. He went on to Paul VI High School in Clifton, N.J., where he pitched the baseball team to a 1979 State Championship. A consummate gentleman, born leader and loving son, brother, husband, father and uncle, he married his high school sweetheart Frances (nee Scarpulla) in 1985. They lived in Clifton and Towaco, N.J., before settling in Roxbury Twp., N.J. in 1998 with their two beloved daughters, Amanda and Erica. Steve graduated from Rutgers University in 1983 and earned his MBA also from Rutgers. After working in banking and commercial real estate, in 1995, he found his niche in the telecommunications industry, later working for Sprint as a national account manager. In 2000, Steve co-founded Safari Telecom. As senior vice president of sales and support, he loved helping clients and employees, and was a mentor to many. Steve left an even greater mark outside of work. In 1998, he helped found the Fighting Children’s Cancer Foundation, which “provides needs-based financial assistance to families struggling with pediatric cancer.” To support FCCF’s mission, Steve served on the organization’s board and dedicated many hours running its annual gala and assisted with other fundraising activities. In 2004, Steve co-founded the Roxbury Rebels Travel Softball program and served as board president, board member, and coach, and ran a winter softball clinic for the past 11 years. Steve constantly encouraged his players and embodied youth coaching at its finest. A passionate New York Jets and Yankees fan, Steve loved sports, including playing indoor football with his nephews, golf, and competing in local softball leagues up until his passing. He was usually the best player on the field. Predeceased by his father Frank, he is survived by his loving wife, daughters, his mother Gloria, brothers David and Christopher, their wives Susan and Dawn, and father-in-law Ciro Scarpulla. He also leaves behind a large extended family and countless friends who will all miss him deeply. Visitation will be held at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 Highway 10, Randolph, NJ, Thursday, April 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 29, at St. Therese R.C. Church, 135 Main St., Succasunna, NJ, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Steve’s memory to the FCCF at 55 Lane Rd., Ste. 300, Fairfield, NJ, 07004 or www.fccf.info/contribute so that he can continue helping others.