Obituary of Stephen J. Blender

Stephen James Blender went home to the Lord on Sunday, March 14, 2021. Stephen had a kind and handsome smile for all he encountered, a special sense of humor, and deep love for his entire family, who will miss him dearly. Stephen played life with a passion.

Stephen was born on January 4, 1977 in Hackensack, NJ. A gifted student-athlete, Stephen graduated with honors from Don Bosco Preparatory High School in 1995 where he quarterbacked and pitched for the Ironmen. After earning many statewide honors, Stephen was recruited in both sports. Later in life, Stephen enjoyed playing golf and watching the Yankees and Jets with his father or tossing the ball with his young nephew and nieces. Stephen received his Bachelor’s Degree from Montclair State University in Computer Science. He enjoyed working with his colleagues as a Senior Project Manager for Bright Planet Solar in Pequannock, and in the solar power industry where Stephen had built a successful career over more than a decade.

Although we are deeply saddened, we are comforted in knowing that Stephen is safe in Heaven with his mother, Stephanie, who he so adored and deeply missed. Stephen’s soul will always shine brightly on us from the Heavens and we are blessed to have had him in our lives on earth.

He leaves many joyful memories to his loving father, Mark; his dear sister and brother-in-law, Allison and Christian Samay; his cherished nieces and nephew, Christian, Ava, and Emily; his caring Aunts and Uncles, Joel and Roberta Blender, Gary and Danit Blender, and Allen and Joyce Doe; his many cousins; and so many more extended family and friends from around the country.

All services are private. Stephen will be laid to rest with his family at Calvary Cemetery in Paterson. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Transplant Fund at St. Barnabas Medical Center. Checks can be made payable to Saint Barnabas Medical Center and sent to 95 Old Short Hills Rd., West Orange, NJ 07052. Donations can also be made by phone at 973-322-4330 or online at www.SBMCGiving.org. All gifts will be acknowledged to the family. Please light a candle and continue to let Stephen’s light shine, leave a condolence and tell us your favorite memory of him, and help someone out today, as he did.