Stephen Peloza

Cremations of Tampa

David Sproat

Stephen Edward Peloza
July 27, 1933 – November 14, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen E. Peloza, age 92 on 11/14/25.  Born on July 27, 1933, in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Sam Peloza & Anna Krossman.  Steve lived a long and meaningful life and is loved and admired by all that knew him.

Steve was widowed in 2019 by the passing of his wife Carolyn of 39 years.  Steve is predeceased by his brother in-law Stephen Kanik in 1976, sister in-law Rose Peloza in 2001, brother in-law Tony Nolfi in 2010, sister Millie Kanik in 2016, brother Sam Peloza in 2019, and stepdaughters Laura & Deanna in 2023.

Steve is survived by his first wife Barbara Denton, his three sisters Rita Ann Nolfi, Bonita Mary (Bonnie) Augustine (Tom) & Georgenne Marie Pavlic (John), his son Steve E Peloza Jr. (Deanna), his brother in-laws Larry Manry & John Manry, his 3 stepchildren David Sproat (Sue), Kimberly Sproat & Sherri Bigwood, his 10 grandchildren Amanda, Chris (April), Jennifer (Michael), John, Megan (Mike), Melissa, Rachel, Robert (Candice), Stacy & Steven, his 10 great grandchildren Allona, Hunter, Ian, Kaileigh, Keyton, Laura, Luke, Natalie, Sabrina & Venessa and his great-great grandson Izic.

Steve graduated high school at Memorial High, Campbell, Ohio 1951.  He then started his career in aviation as a Sheetmetal Mechanic building fuselages for military aircraft.

In 1953 he joined the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic aboard the USS Intrepid and was based in Jacksonville, Florida.  He was honorably discharged in 1957 and continued his service to country in the Naval Reserves until 1961.

Steve joined Eastern Airlines in 1957 and with his expert aviation machinist skills he held many roles as a Sheetmetal Mechanic, Painter, Engine Service, Lead Mechanic, and qualified inspector.  After a great career and 31 years with Eastern, Steve took early retirement in 1988.

Steve and Carolyn used their many acquired skills to build a lovely mountain home in Pickens, South Carolina.  While building the home and living in a camper, he also worked at Lockheed Martin.  Once the house was completed with the help of his son Stephen Jr., he retired from full-time work but still enjoyed working part-time at a nearby auto parts store because he thoroughly enjoyed helping others and being around people.  He had a very outgoing and gracious personality.  The mountain home also created a wonderful setting for countless family holidays and summer camps for the grandchildren that included camping, hiking adventures and building tree houses.

He became a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast and went on many trips with his nephew Jimmy and biking buddies from Pickens.  He looked like a real badass in his leather jacket on that motorcycle!

The last years of Steve life were a struggle for him as he was stricken with Alzheimer's and required full time care.  We are so lucky that his stepdaughters Laura Caplinger (Alex), who moved in to take care of Steve in 2019 until she passed in 2023, then Sherri Bigwood who has such a big caring heart gave up her life and friends in Georgia and moved to Plant City, Florida to take care for Steve over these past few years.  What a blessing it was to be able to keep Steve under family care.

The family is also grateful for the wonderful care and support of the Veterans Administration.  A special thank you to Dr. Desai and Dr. Smith for all their dedication to providing excellent healthcare and consulting with us on Steve’s care and quality of life.    The family also wants to thank Janice from Comfort Keepers for the years of service providing caregiver breaks, we will miss your calming presence in the Peloza home.  And finally, thank you to our Hospice nurse Rhonda, and her team’s support during the last weeks of Steve’s life.  All great people with wonderful caring hearts!

Steve, Dad, Grandpa Steve - Rest in peace, you will always be loved and missed!

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Stephen Peloza Obituary | Cremations of Tampa