Steve’s nickname “Carney” came courtesy of Karaoke Joe, the former operator, along with his wife Janet, of the Cancun Hotel Zone Clubs, “My Place” and “The Over 30 Club”, Joe bestowed the name when amazed at Steve’s resemblance to American comedian Art Carney along with Steve’s perfect timing of a handful of popular Art Carney lines. From that day forward Steve’s picture honored the walls of first the “Over 30 Club” and later, after Hurricane Wilma, “My Place”. Typical of Steve, he made friends everywhere he went and Cancun was no different as quite a few of the locals, including good friends, Javier, Lulu and their family, and also, especially, at the GR Solaris and Royal Solaris Hotels where staff always looked forward to “Poppy’s” visits.
Steve was also a proud U.S. Army Veteran, awarded the Purple Heart, serving his country in Vietnam, the IT Director of a Fortune 500 Company and an avid Philadelphia area sports fan. He loved visiting Cancun, trains, collecting beer steins, Mariachi’s, cheeseburgers, cold beer, good times, and spending time with his family and friends. He was generous as well, donating often to U.S. and Cancun charities alike, including the Little Yellow Schoolhouse on Isla Mujeres for children with learning disabilities.
More than that though, Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and beloved friend to many, including my wife Ruth and I, leaving this world a better place for having been here and leaving us all with fond memories and advice on how one should live their lives, full of life.
Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest…