Steven James Maslak

Steven James Maslak was born in Queens, NY to Jesse J. (Rhodebeck) and Stanley F. Maslak on October 8, 1943. He died unexpectedly in Wellington, CO on Saturday, May 3, 2025. As usual, he was going with his pants on fire doing what he wanted with many plans for the future. He was at home with his wife, Judith Kummrow, where he was enveloped with purpose and love, including Patty, Eric, Zander, Hayden, Julia, Malaki, Jen, Jay, and Lily. John and Steve's cherished mother, with others, were there to receive him on the other side. His first line of business was likely getting to the bottom of the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena mystery. He is survived by his treasured sons, Timothy, Kenneth, and Thomas, from his first marriage with Maureen (McLaughlin), adored grandchildren, Tyler and Elle, their mother, Karen, and Chloe. He is missed by friends and family including Tracey, Nicholas and Emily. Steve's life unfolded primarily in NY, ME, TX, CO, FL, and Bermuda. He had at least two million miles (in the seat), with travel also to vacation islands, Europe, England, Canada and Mexico. As a youth, Steve attained Eagle Scout rank in the BSA. He lived his pledge to be trustworthy, loyal, kind, friendly, courteous, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent, frequently reciting that promise. Some of his first jobs were with the meat processing industry, St. Regis Paper Co, and as a surveyor, where he fell in love with classical music and opera because his team listened to nothing else on the truck radio. Steve graduated from Chaminade, Fordham (BSM), Pace-Lubin School of Business (MBA-MGMT/Finance) and Northeastern University Graduate School of Business Administration, completing the graduate level Executive Development Program. His career centered on the energy industry in the US and offshore. Among others, he held management positions at Long Island Lighting Co., was SVP and CEO at Applied Energy Group and CEO of Gateway Energy Services. He was active all his life as a mentor, advisor, consultant and counselor, sharing his expertise in industry, education, career paths, jobs and privately. For over forty years, airplanes and flying were Steve's passions. He held the Airline Transport/Commercial/Multi Pilot and FAA Certified Flight Instructor licenses with Advanced Instrument Ratings. He piloted many types of aircraft on land and sea. He always looked skyward when he saw or heard one, knowing exactly what engine type and plane it was. He was in his element with pilot/instructor buddies and liked taking up family, colleagues, clients, guests and friends. To the day he passed, he was enthusiastically introducing, teaching and encouraging children and adults- privately, at the airport and in public schools. Vacations at Bear Springs Camp on Great Pond, ME with the family and friends were special times. He loved to be at the house in Belgrade Lakes near his friend and neighbor, also a pilot, where they had projects and adventures aloft and on land. Don't forget the fireworks. Steve liked to boat, fish, hunt and ski. He built his own boat, carved duck decoys, tied flies and collected guns, often making his own ammunition. He mentored the younger generations whenever the opportunity arose, in all his hobbies and interests. He was a willing participant and good sport at card and board games, marbles, miniature cars/track, and make-believe, rolling on the floor in a tangle of arms and legs battling bears, dinosaurs, snakes, etc. with appropriate sound effects. He made time with them to practice the fundamentals of kicking & throwing balls, depending on the sport, and supported them at practice and events, including martial arts. He kept a meticulous lawn and prolific vegetable garden. He started his plants from seeds in late winter, keeping them on the windowsills until they could be safely transplanted outdoors where he nurtured them to a successful harvest that was generously shared. Steve volunteered for countless electrical, wiring, lighting and plumbing projects, completing them according to the latest code requirements, refusing monetary compensation for his work. Together with one or more grandchildren, he built workbenches, backyard sheds, and helped construct a tiny house. His most recent venture was working with Eric on an indoor riding facility including a 2000sq ft game room with wet bar and bathroom, a separate tack room, an arena, and stables. Steve loved seeing people gather in the game room and enjoyed many parties there. He had a healthy sense of humor peppered with mischievousness and audacity, reflected in stories while sitting with an old-fashioned cocktail or good wine, laughing and recalling escapades with his 'partners in crime'. He read daily whether fiction or for research and learning i.e. electrical/wiring code, history, or his latest bedtime choice, quantum theory. He appreciated food, be it herring in cream sauce, fresh oysters, soft-shell crab, fruit empanadas, hot dogs and burgers, New York pizza, soups and always, home cooking. He was a major part of any gathering, mixing drinks, and sharing stories with everyone. He was fun and easy to be around with his smile and grace. He remains with us all. Steve requested cremation with no service or memorial. He wanted people to remember him when they get together and to be happy. He was, truly, goodwill made tangible. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Tributes

Steven James Maslak

October 8, 1943 - May 3, 2025